EXPERT ADVICE • TOP TIPS
BUYS
MORE FACTS % t^t^
Doqs Hotlinks make laying out pages with
Pagestream a doddle?
DTP: page 81
How to use your Amiga to add top-notch
titles to your home videos... Video: page 73
ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992 • £1.50 • YOUR DEFINITIVE GUIDE
Got Gajits' Sequencer One? - then you
should check out Hit Kit MIDI: page 122
It's easier than you think to program a
neural network on your Amiga. ..Al: page 44
ave on phone bills
up your own
Amiga bulletin board! Comms: page 86
All the latest low-cost and no-cost software
PLUS where to get fonts PD: page 141
- your problems
We just love 'em
Nothing's too tough for
I
3D Graphics, Printers, Music, BASIC
Beginner or expert - Hard disks. Scanners, Accelerators..
we've got the solutions - The top 200 Starts Oh pi
♦
•
•
8|
uiurei
1 PUBLISHING ■ II III
■ nil i
Commodore A600
> •
v
The new compact AOiK) from Commodore
Built-in TV modulator
Workbench i\ Kfckstart l
, Rnhanced chip set
MB of chip RAM
O II)!- hard disk controller built-in
/ Credil card size RAM & ROM slot
f A600 £399
A600 with 20MB £499
A600 with 40MB £599
AfiOO with 80MB £699
New PC880B
\u\\ wnti X-Cop) Professional!
Power Computing have teamed up with Cachet
of Germain to brin^ you the ultimate in disk
backup systems
^^ The new PC880B disk dnve can lx.» used ilirecilv
with the X Cop\ Professional cyclone sntiuare
^ withoul am extra tables or interfaces
This gives you the the power and reliabilm rj| the
proven \ ulone' backup software with the conve-
nience of the PC880B floppy drive.
so now you tan have two backup systems bin/'
and 'Cyclone' available at the touch ol a button!
=5 And the PC880B still has our unique switdiablc
anh virus mode, preventing all write accesses to
PC50 1
RAM Card
( >ur RAM IxuriJ is designed Specially lor the new
A 500+ uimpiUei and comes With 1MB of RAM on board
to expand your niemorv to -Mil of chip RAM. Plug in
and go operation "tits Into tr.qxioor).
Gives you a total ol 2MBol chip RAM £49
32 chip RAM card £39-95
8 rvi B for any A500
th
e
booiblock ot your floppy disks
Ml
?
j A600 Memory Cards
Q K New RAM boards for the Commodore A600 £POA
iscellaneous
><2
tO In Maxell disks, optical mouse Xipstick £45
** Power Mouse £15
Optical Mouse £29.95
it you all ready own a PC880B. and the Cyclone
copier, a hardware upgrade is available to take
your drive up to the latest specification,
New PC880B with Blitz & X-Copy £90.00
New PC8H0B (Cyclone compatible) £75.00*
Cy< lone hardware upgrade for existing PC880B
V owners £15.00
- •ihh Jtivc Is avaltthk oolj lo REG15TERKD OWfftffl »■' X i
CJ '"' '< " M,,njl Vou musi provide pr<« >r ol punhjM.- ><i \
*PC880 Disk drive £49-95
PC881 \s:oo Internal drive £40.00
PC882 \jmio Internal drive £45
A500 Internal anti-dick board £9-95
^ Plugs into side slot
^ Fully auto contig
Pull thru'port
£^ F.xpand 2MB-8MB
2MB £129 MB £189
'" 8MB £299 I \ iZip £19.95
r ' Replacement optical mouse mat £9.95
' A500 Plastic dust cover £9
Maxell multi colour branded disks met d ten) £9.95
Floppy disks bulk £POA
Blitz Amiga
Hack up disks at lightning speed
Stops all external drives from clicking
a ' Q tntains anti-virus from being written into the
Special upgrade
offer!
If vou consider your scanner system to be Inferior
to the Power Scanner, we will happiU upgrade
your software and interface for onh £49.95
(PoWtfl Siunnif in i "inp.ttiltle vm||i must M/.inninn Iii'.kU I
IxKrtblocker £20
\
I m^\jv-
sv
Cafu Ss&
2IVIB for any A500
Economy 2Mb RAM externally cased
16-Chip < 1 x 1 DIP)
No thru'port £99.95
1.5MB RAM Board
Plugs easily into your Amiga
^J Fully supports 1MB chip RAM
^W fully compatible with Patter Agnus £^9
^<\«iut\iiuj ifcu» be opened ihbn rwananiy)
1MB with Thru'port
Expand yourA500 l s memorj to a total of 2MB wiihoui
disposing ol your existing 512K upgrade. Works with
1MB of Chip K AM. simple internal fitting, £49-95
»__ lil.'K RAM nww hi I dnpt)*pf»nr i enfing 9cm in length!
r\j 1 Ump ni-i.il* in he upvned tins mu\ effect \<*jt ^jttjmn *
J /( A500 RAM Card
**jr 512K RAM expansion with barter) backed dock and a
fc^ tree disk packed with useful s< ittw.trc i t chip RAM i £29
f ( MJk KAM card without dock £24
^B 16 chip KAM card with clock £2-*
^€ 16 chip RAM card withoul clock £19
(A50W compatible)
V" AriesRAM |
A1500/A2000 I
2MB £129 1MB £169 6MB £209 8Mb £2-49 V
Send your order to Power Computing Ltd. 1 nil <s Railton Road, Woburn Road Industrial Estate, Kempston, Bedh >rd MK42 7PN
Ring your credit card order thiough on 0234 843388 (10 lines) or Fax on 0234 840234 Technical helpline 0234 841882
All prkv.s include vat. dcli\ m jnd arc aubjeci 10 change Spet Ifluiilonii art *ubted t*> change withoul notice N<*xi d») cJdivci) u ft (UK mainland tmlj » all edged
hmcr 4 nuipuilnit Trance ISHkl VokHBf"^!! ttu Pimrri itmpuiime I v \
IH^iribui»rforPwwcrt»impoilnK n, DHksHi
Vm Pucrio D> BuoMn aei w 22 Td icifti sm
t'\ I'M,
W E L C O
AT A GLANCE
GUIDE
To help you find what you want
quickly and easily, this is a cross-
referenced list of all the products
and subjects covered in this
month's Amiga Shopper. The
subjects covered in Amiga Answers
are detailed on page 45; the many
PD programs covered on page 146
are listed there. The page numbers
given are for the first page of the
article in which the product is
mentioned.
A570
139
A600
13
Amiga Answers
47
AmigaDOS
92
AMOS
98
Artificial Intelligence
42
Bulletin boards
86
Buying advice '
151
CD-ROM
137
CDTV
137
Comms
86
Competition
154
Desktop publishing
81
DTP
81
Education
78
For sale
140
Graphics
16
HAMA 290 genlock
76
Hit Kit
126
Hotlinks
61
Letters
13
Listings
70
Mail Order
135
MIDI
122
Modems
86
Music
122
Neural networks
42
News
7
PqgeStream
61
Product Locator
152
Professional Calc
131
Programming
70,108
Public domain
141
Reader ads
140
Scala 2.0
139
Shareware
141
Shades
61
SID 2.0
141
Smoothtalker
76
Spellbound
78
Subscriptions
114
Talking Shop
13
User groups
112
Video
73
Word Processors
16
Are there any products or
subjects you'd like us to
take a look at? Well, just
drop a line to:
Amiga Shopper,
30, Monmouth Street,
Bath BA1 2BW.
espite last month's somewhat surprising
news that Commodore had decided to
cease production of the A500 and
concentrate on a new range represented
by the entry-level A600, there's still no news on
what might fill the gap between that machine and
the A3000. Commodore has always refused to
speculate on new machines before they're
launched - even to the point where the first you
hear about them is someone ringing in to say that
they've just bought one in Dixons or wherever! But
they will go so far as to intimate one is on the way
and it seems pretty certain, talking to developers,
it's a replacement for the A2000.
If you look at the letters pages this issue you'll
soon see what the majority of readers think about
the decision. Throughout my replies I've tried to
stress that I personally believe all is not doom and
gloom. Neither Commodore, its developers nor
third party manufacturers and publishers are likely
to dump a machine range that's sold 1.2 million
units in the UK alone. That the A500 is no longer
the state of the art is unquestionable - it's just
that its replacement leaves a lot to be desired.
PUB1K DOMAIN
HARD DRIVING
There are thousands of Amiga programs which are
available for little more than the price of a disk. And
many more which allow you to try the software free
before you buy. Each month in Public Domain World
we examine the best of these programs and explain
how to get hold of them.
This month our resident PD sampler, Ian Wrigley,
scans through his latest batch to focus on SID 2.0
the great hard disk manager and samples a whole
bunch of new fonts. Public Domain World or...
cor baby that's nearly free..
as we call it, starts on page 141
Commodore would have
been much better off
delaying the decision to
cease production of the
A500 until a new
machine with a faster
processor had been
brought to market. That
way it could have saved
a considerable amount
of face. As it is, it has
lost credibility.
So, in this big meanwhile, what's a poor A500
owner to do? Hang on in there! Buy the new chip
set so you're assured of future software
compatibility, wait for someone to release an
adaptor which'll let you hook up forthcoming A600
peripherals... and relax!
Sfa*tf
Editor
13 PAGES DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO
ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS
Every month in Amiga Answers our panel of experts
answer more genuine reader questions than any
other Amiga magazine. And for beginners our easy
Expert Tips will help you get to grips with your
Amiga, and understand the other features in this
month's issue.
We answer questions every month on
Workbench • The CLI • Comms • Programming •
DTP • Video • Business software and more.
THE ANSWERS START ON PAGE 47
FOR A FULL LIST OF CONTENTS, TURN THE PAGE
Your guarantee of value
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AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 1 6 • AUGUST 1 992 ^
LOWEST PRICES GUARANTEED!
CORTEX '/« Mb RAM
EXPANSION
lor the Amiga A500
^n io 8 , h .9M U ^~n e n tSp
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CLOCK C22.95
£17.95
GVP 8Mb RAM EXPANSION
for the
Amiga A1 500/ A2000
Fully implemented auto;CO«}««
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SIMMs 2.4, or 8Mb configurations.
2Mb £159.00
4Mb
8Mb
ROM SHARERS
^^L r^ *2 04 Kick^'art ROMS •
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£26.95
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V1.3 rom
V2.04 KICKSTART
HUM
£29.00
£33.95
immmimiiwu
CORTEX 8Mb RAM EXPANSION
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The ONLY RAM upgrade approved by Commodore UK •
Fully compatible with A500 plus for 10Mb maximum RAM ■
External fitting (Warranty remains intact) ■ Through port
(covered by blanking plate) • Fully implemented auto-
configure • Zero wait states • Compatible with A590 and all
major hard disks ■ UseslM x 8bit or 1M x 9bit SIMMs •
Complete with its own power supply unit (UK, US, or
EURO) ■ FullyAlOOO compatible • RAM test software.
CORTEX 1 Mb
MODULE
FOR A500 plus
Gives 2Mb CHIP MEM •
plus Ultra low power design •
Low component count for
maximum reliability ■ Available
populated to V 2 MB or 1MB
1/2 Mbl 1 Mb
C25.95lC39.95
2Mb I 4Mb
£185.00|C241.00I£353.00
* s
GVP IMPACT SERIES 2
HARD DISK WITH RAM
(A500HD8+)
52Mb Hard disk system with up to
8Mb of RAM • Factory-fitted
Quantum Pro-drive. 11ms access •
Uses 1M x 8bit SIMMs (see RAM
CHIPS section for prices) • Game
switch (hard drive disable) and power
supply.
52Mb I 120Mb I 240Mb
E359.00l£499.00|£799.00
Other GVP products availble: call for prices
ENHANCED CHIP SET
(E.C.S.) UPGRADES
£36.95
EXTERNAL FLOPPY-DRIVE
High-quality silent mechanism •
Through-port • Enable/disable
switch,
8372A
j Fatter Agnus
8373
Super Denise
£34.95
£47-95
MegaCh.p 2000 with Super
Agnus (allows 2Mb to be
'-»ed to A500/1 500/2000)
See KICKSTART ■
ROMS' for ROM
upgrade.
£199.00
GVP
Full range available including new mini-slot
AT-Emulator.
Price promise applies!
J RAM CHIPS
PRICE PROMISE
Cortex will match any genuine once offered by one of our U.K. competitors on
goods that are m stock on a like-for-iike basis This otter applies at the time of
purchase onty and does not apply to pnees offered in sales of bankrupt stock.
clearance or dosing down sales
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All product bearing the Cortex brand name cames a 2-year guarantee Other
products m this aoVertement carry a t year guarantee
AA pnees indude VAT and postage & packaging All products shipped same day
where poss**e Allow 14 days for delivery rf ordering by cheque. Make cheques/
PCs payable to CORTEX..
1M * 8 bit SIMMS (for
Cote*. GVP etc) each
I GVP etc) each
256K x 4 M DIPS (for A590
2091 CO*, mm f SS
!"!jMD'Ps (tor okfer
A^OW cards) EACH
1M*< ibrt static - column
rnodo ZlPs (tor A3000)
EACH
£29.00
£ 112.00
£3.49
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AMIGA SHOPPER
Issue 16 August 1992
Editor; Andy Storer
Deputy Editor. Cliff Ramshaw
Layout Sub-Editor; Diana Taylor
Production Editor: Alison Harper
Consultant Editors: Jeff Walker,
Mark Smiddy
Contributors; Jaaon Holborn, Paul
Overaa, Gary Whiteley, Phil Harris,
Ian Wrigley. Philip Gladwin, Jolyon
Ralph, Toby Simpson, Wilf Rees
Guest Composer: J S Bach
Ad Manager: Margaret Clarke
■
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David Eckett
Production: Richard Gingell
Production Technicians;
*
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Assistant Publisher: Stuart Anderton
Circulation Director: Sue Hartley
Promotions Manager:
Michele Harris
Group Publishing Director:
Greg Ingham
ABC audited circulation:
July-December 1991:
45,209 copies/month
Printed by Redwood Press
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This magazine is copyright © 1992
Future Publishing Ltd. No part of this
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Editorial
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Tel: 0225 442244 : Fax: 0225 446019
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Advertising
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Tel: 061-474 7333:Fax: 061-476 3002
Subscriptions
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Tel: 0458 74011
So how about winning another year's free
subscription then chaps? - This month all we
want you to do is send us the name of the
actor who the girlie, who starred in the
MvilyvYvvU mwYiv referred to in these pages,
fell in love with in that film. You got it? Then
just send it in to: I go into a sweat just
thinking about her in that chiffon dress', Amiga
Shopper, 30, Monmouth St, Bath, BA1 2BW.
First out the bag wins 12 free issues .
Oh, and last Ish's winner was NP Wilson - well
done NP - yep it was Tony Hart's Vision On.
News 7
If the demise of the A500 weren't enough, we now hear
rumours that Nintendo plans to buy Commodore!
You respond to Commodore's decision to
cease production of its most popular Amiga
and there's flak flying left, right and centre!
42
Artificial Intelligence
The third part of our new series revealing the secrets of
neural networks and practical Al programming
The biggest collection off handy Amiga advice ever
published with sections full off essential tips on:
printers • desktop video • 2D & 3D graphics
hard drives • word processors • Workbench
RAM expansion • DTP • sound sampling
BASIC • comms • accelerators • Shell
C • scanning • music composition
spreadsheets and Assembler... Phew!
Are these twenty pages you can afford to miss?
DIY Listings
How to write your own Search and Replace text utility
courtesy of reader, and £20 winner, Fu Sang Li
Video
70
73
How to get the most from a video titling package PLUS:
HAMA's new 290 genlock put through its paces
Education
78
We show you the best way to present your data, graphs
and stats PLUS: How to improve your spelling
Desktop publishing 81
Jeff Walker checks out whether the Hotlinks data
exchange system for PageStream does the biz
The world of Comms
87
Let the Amiga world come to you! We show you the easy
way to set up your bulletin board
AmigaDOS
98
Why bother buying an off-the-shelf appointments scheduler
when you can code your own the easy way!
AMOS
108
More tips on better AMOS programming PLUS: how you
can win a free copy of the forthcoming AMOS Professional
Programming 108
Cliff Ramshaw continues his BASIC attempts to beat his
Amiga at Noughts and Crosses
A problem shared is a problem solved!
13 PAGES of your worst nightmares
diagnosed by our unrivalled panel of
experts. Absolutely nothings too tough
for these guys - just try 'em!
Expert Tips
How to choose the programming language for your needs
119
MIDI Music
122
Can Gajit's Hit Kit add-on for its popular Sequencer One
package make your music composition a cinch?
Business
131
Is Professional Calc from Gold Disk, the successor to
Advantage, the only Amiga spreadsheet you'll ever need?
Amiga CD
138
Andy Storer looks at a new easy-to-use CDTV authoring
system which could make you a lot of money
ffilW
Public Domain World
141
Could all your hard disk problems be solved for free
with SID 2.0? PLUS: where to get hold of oodles of
fonts - well 281 anyway - for next to nothing
Product Locator
137
We rate all the Amiga hardware on the market in this easy
access, at-a-glance guide to the top products
Win Easy AMOS! 1 54
Yep. we have 15 copies of this programming package to
give away. All you have to do is answer 3 easy questions!
AMIGA
5
IlleServe
*%
of Hampshire Established 7 years
NEW
Amiga Workstation
/Expansion System
Monitor stand with sherf for rJnves etc.
Strong metal construction modo from
14SWG steel epoxy coated Amiga
colour.
Special price LZ / . DU
A/6>i/v Pr/'ce
Citizen 224
24pin Colour*
Pnhanrtd 94p#n printer * optional colour
with #»«y to um control panel
£ ytw warranty. Prtec with ooWc & paper
Mono £209
Cotour £219
Amiga printer driver £5.00
All Citizen printers have
2 year warranty
Swift 24E
Enhanced 24pin. Colour printer
with cable & paper
£269
Citizen Swift 9
with cable & paper
Mono £1 69
Colour £1 79
Citizen 1 20D +
with cable & paper
£119
Panasonic
KXP1 1 23
Probably the bast 24pin mono
printer available. With cable & paper
£179
Panasonic/Epson
KXP1170 9pin 134
KXP1124i 24pin 227
KXP2180 9pin Colour .... 189
KXP2123 24pin Colour... 269
Epson LQ570 24pin 265
Epson EPL-4100 Laser.. 680
Epson EPL-8100 Laser.. 1115
Prices include VAT cable & paper
Naksha Mouse
for Atari ST & Amiga
with house & mat
£21.50
Squik Mouse
for Atari ST & Amiga
£13.90
Midi Interface
4 channel Midi Interface for Amiga
£29
Or. Ts Midi Music Software
Inot suitable for A500+) £9.95
New Price
HP
Deskjet Colour
300dpi colour inkjet printer.
Colour laser quality at 1 /1 of the cost.
3 year warranty. Price with cable & paper
£529
Deskjet 500
HP 300dpi Inkjet printer. Laser
quality at dot matrix price.
3 year warranty. With cable & paper
£359
Printer Drivers
Citizen Swift Colour 5.00
Canon BJ-10e 4.95
Deskjet 500 Colour 9.95
Printer Dust Covers
most types in stock
from £4.70 inc vat
Hard Disks
Floppy Drives
Supra 500XP52M
fofASOO £299
Commodore A590
£249
20M Hard Disk
for A500
GVP Series 2 52M
forA500 £359
GVP Series 2 120M
forA500 £469
GVP Series 2 52M
forA1500 £279
Cumana CAX354
The most refcabie drive you can buy
1M external
while stocks last
Commodore
A1011 1M external
£49,90 While stocks last
Roctec
R0CUteRF382C 1M external
£56
1 M Simm
Suitable for GVP Hard Disks etc.
£29.90 per 1Mb
£29.90
Amiga 600HD
20Mb internal Hard disk & software
£449
GVP Series 2 120M
£419
Hard Disk
for A1 500
A2286 Bridgeboard
CBM 286 Bridgeboard for A1 500
£319
Amiga 600
Standard A600 with full software
£349
Amiga 1500
with full software pack
£499
1 12 Meg Ram + Clock
£24.95
New Price
Canon BJ-10ex
360dpi Inkjet printer
with cable & paper
£229
Star SJ-48
360dpi Inkjet printer
with cable & paper
£219
Star LC200
with cable & paper
£179
Star
LC20Mono 9pin 129
LC200 Colour 9pin 179
LC2420 Mono 24pin 189
LC24200 Mono 24pin .... 209
LC24200 Colour 24pin .. 259
Prices include VAT cable & paper
Kickstart Upgrades
Commodore 2.04 full upgrade 79.00
Kickstart ROM only v2.04 .... 41.50
Kickstart ROM only vt. 3 29.00
Phoenix Rom sharer 24.95
VXL30 25MHz Accetarator ..239.00
Fatter Angus custom chip .... 37.50
A590 or Supra Hard disk PSU 49.00
Naksha Scanner
200 to 400dpi. 1 05mm nr \r\
width with express-IT £ y y
software
Commodore
1 084SD
14" Colour Monitor with cable
dot pitch 042mm
A500 PLUS
Cartoon Classics full software pack
£329
£219
While stocks last
Philips CM8833 mk2
Colour monitor with cable
£199
UK. 240V mains +F19 game
Accessories
SONY
DISKETTES
SONY branded
(lifetime warranty}
000% certified error free)
lOx 3.5* DS/DD 135tpi 7.50
50x 3.5" DS/DD 135tpi 32.30
100x3.5" DS/DD 135tpi 59.93
250x3.5" DS/DD 135tpi 141.00
1kx 3.5" DS/DD 135tpi 540.50
Joystick/Mouse twin extension 4.70
3M Joystick/Mouse lead .... 3.75
A500 Printer cable 7.95
Modulator/Disk Extension 10.95
23way Plug or socket 2.95
A500 Dust Cover 4.70
Mouse Mat (thick soft type) .. 4.95
Mouse House 2.95
1M internal 3.5" drive 49.00
A500 replacement PSU 39.00
A590 replacement PSU 49.00
l/2Meg Ram NO Clock 23.90
Rocgen Plus - Genlock + ... 129.00
DISKETTES
SONY/DYSAN bulk
(lifetime warranty)
(100% certified error free)
10x 3.5" DS/DD 135tpi 5.95
50x 3.5" DS/DD 135tpi 21.86
100x3.5" DS/DD 135tpi 39.60
250x3.5" DS/DD 135tpi 94.88
Ikx 3.5' DS/DD 135tpi 353.68
40 x 3.5" Diak box with lock .... 5.49
100 x 3.5" Disk box with lock .. 7.50
Carnage on 50+ disks £3.53
Phone for our 60 page catalogue
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«W BOSS FOR
COMMODORE
SHARE
Is Kcll) Sumner oct to take Steve
Franklln'R place ac the managing
director of Commodore UK?
Kelly Sumner Is expected to become
the new MD Of Commodore UK.
According to industry rumours
and as reported in the trade paper
CnV. Sumner is to take over the post
that Steve Franklin has filled for the
last five years. Franklin is to take a
management role with Commodore's
CDTV project.
We spoke to Kelly Sumner, but he
would offer no comment on the
rumours. An announcement regarding
the change is expected to be made at
the end of June. Next month's Amiga
Shopper will carry an in-depth
interview with the new MD.
COMMODORE COUP AT
MULTIMEDIA AWARDS
Three multimedia titles running on
Commodore machines won awards
at the British Interactive Multimedia
Association Awards this year.
The Vistrain police training
system, first reported in issue 12.
was winner in the Productivity
category. Developed by the National
Computing Centre and the Scottish
Police College, it uses a Commodore
PC and Amiga 2000 with genlock to
teach police officers how to control
crowds.
The Consumer gold award went
to Cloudscan's CDTV Karaoke Hits
One. while Eurotalk's CDTV title
Learn French With Asterix was winner
of the European category and second
in the Education section.
The awards bode well for
Commodore's multimedia hopes,
despite the public's current lack of
enthusiasm for CDTV.
To counter the lack of interest,
the company has released the
Multimedia Pack, a bundle consisting
of a CDTV. a keyboard, mouse and
disk drive. Essentially an A500 with a
CD-ROM, it sells for £599.
Console giant Nintendo Is to make a
takeover bid for Commodore
International, It has been rumoured
on the New York Stock Exchange.
The rumours began late in
March, when a prominent analyst
described Commodore's stock as
'the single best value in the
computer industry*. At the time.
Commodores share price was
quoted at $14 3/8. The analyst
predicted the company's share would
be at $25 by this time next year. The
price of Commodore's shares
immediately began to rise following
the speculation.
Commodore executives were
unavailable for comment, and a
spokesperson for Nintendo of
America denied the speculation. The
rumour had not specified whether it
was Nintendo of America or its
parent company Nintendo of Japan
which was to make the bid. so
speculation continued.
Industry sources m Japan told
Amiga Shopper that Commodore
directors had met with Nintendo
executives at Chicago's recent
consumer electronics show and
were only weeks away from
signing on the dotted line.
By the close of business on 26
March v Commodore's share price
had risen $1 3/8 to $15 3/4. while
the share prices of computer
companies such as IBM. Hewlett
Packard and Compaq were falling.
The takeover would offer both
companies benefits. Commodore
would gain Nintendo's immense
marketing power and a huge cash
injection which could, conceivably, be
plowed into further research and
development. Nintendo, already in a
position of near-dominance of the
console market, would gain the best
possible position in the home
computer market without having to
develop its own line of machines.
The Amiga market would almost
certainly burgeon, creating much
more interest from third party hard
and software developers. Perhaps
the acclaimed Mario Brothers game
would finally make an appearance on
the Amiga.
Nintendo is certainly in an
acquisitive mood at the moment. It
has recently paid $75 million for the
ownership of the Seattle Mariners
football team.
An answer to the C programmer's
prayers comes In the form of the
Amiga C Encyclopedia.
The encyclopedia consists of six
manuals contained on 12 disks, and
is compiled by the Amiga C Club,
based in Sweden.
The information contained on the
first ten disks is widely available in
the public domain, but the last two
are only available by registering with
the ctub.
In total the encyclopedia contains
175 fully executable examples along
with source code. All are compatible
with Workbench 1.3 and Workbench
2, and follow Commodore's
programming guidelines.
Subjects covered are the basics
of C and the Amiga, using Intuition.
using graphics, accessing the
operating system, using devices and
using sound. Snippets likely to
interest coders are explanations on
sprites and BOBs, 3D routines and
creating copper lists.
In addition to the encyclopedia.
registration with the club offers
programmers many other benefits.
Anders Bjerin. the ctub's
organiser, offers to digitise
members's pictures in colour, as
well as sampling sound effects. He
also undertakes to help members
with their C coding problems by
answering questions, giving advice
and helping during the debugging
stage.
The Amiga C Club has been in
existence for two years, and currently
has 150 registered members.
Registration costs £45. for which
members will receive the complete
Amiga C Encyclopedia. If you already
have the first ten disks of the
encyclopedia, then registration is
£30. Anders requests that you don't
send him cheques.
Anders Bjerin can be contacted
at: Datra, Amiga C Club. Anders
Bjerin, Tulevagen 22, 181 41 Lidingo,
Sweden,
Could Mario, the famous computer
games character, soon be making
his appearance on the Amiga?
There has still been no official
comment from either Commodore or
Nintendo.
If there is any truth to it. the
facts will be revealed in the next two
months or so. It would be impractical
for the two companies to undergo
large scale change afterwards,
during the much busier sales period
of Autumn. Amiga Shopper will keep
you posted on any further
developments.
IT'S A SIM
Famous computer game SimCity is
being used to test artificial
Intelligence software used In urban
planning.
Scientists from the University of
Chicago are using the game from
California-based Maxis to put their Al
system through its paces.
H1S0FT AND KUNIA AGREE
HiSoft has become the manufacturer
and promoter of Kuma's line of office
application packages following an
agreement between the two
companies.
HiSoft. well known for its popular
range of software development tools,
will be taking over all of Kuma's
business oriented software. Existing
users of Kuma software will be given
technical support from HiSoft. The
company will continue the
development and enhancement of
Kuma's packages.
The handing over of its software
leaves Kuma free to concentrate on
publishing its expanding range of
technical books. HiSoft * 0525
718181. Kuma » 0734 844335.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
E W S
PRINTER
PROMO
OKI Is offering buyers of Its LED page
printer a selection of free gifts in an
effort to sell more units during the
quiet summer period.
The 0L810 uses Light Emitting
Diode technology to produce laser
quality output with less moving parts
and, in theory, greater reliability and
efficiency.
Buyers of the printer before 30
September can choose one of four
fTOfi gifts or buy an OKI portable
plionc for £39 (it normally costs
£289). The gifts on offer are: an
Olympus Superzoom camera: a Sony
Personal CD Player: an OKI car
phone; and a dual bin upgrade for the
printer itself.
The OL810 costs £1,499.
OKI w 0753 531292.
AMIGA IN
INDIAN STORM
Canadian-based Integrated Solutions
has used the Amiga as the centre of
an interactive presentation system,
initially used to re-create the
atmosphere of an Indian
encampment.
The Interaction System debuts at
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Canada,
where it will be used to create a
soundscape that helps to 'convey the
intimate spiritual connection this
culture feels towards the land'.
The system is made up of an
Amiga running ARexx. Geodesic
Publications' AirLink and The Blue
Ribbon SoundWorks' Bars&Pipes
Professional. It is connected to 24
speakers concealed throughout the
park and a lighting board to produce
changes in daylight and storm effects.
Motion sensors are connected to
the Amiga so that it can randomly
choose a 16-bit digital sound sample
to play through any particular speaker
when a visitor approaches. The
overall volume of the sound is also
varied depending on the number of
visitors in the park at any one time.
The most spectacular effect
created by the Interaction System is
a storm, for which it uses both visual
and audio techniques, including high-
powered sub-woofer speakers to
shake the floor. Each storm is
different by virtue of a random
number generator, although always
following a natural progression.
Integrated Solutions can be
contacted on « 0101 306 5652061.
COLOUR SCANNER GIVES AMIGA ADDED DTP CREDENCE
NEW COLOUR SCANNER
A flatbed full colour scanner for the
Amiga has been released by Epson.
The Epson GT-6000 is an A4
scanner that plugs into the Amiga's
parallel port and will scan documents
at a resolution of up to 600 dots per
inch in up to 16 million colours.
Software to use the scanner has
been created by ASDG. maker of the
Art Department image processing
software.
The scanning controller software
comes in two forms. It can either be
integrated into Art Department as a
new module, or used as a stand-
alone program. One of the big
advantages of the program is that it
can save scans direct to disk, so that
scans can be taken by users without
huge Quantities of memory.
Zone is to distribute Dr T's brand
new Boom Box program.
Boom Box is a program for the
Amiga that simulates a ghetto blaster
and enables the user to trigger
samples in real time a la rap or
house mixes. As well as supplied
samples. Boom Box will accept
samples created with other packages.
A price has yet to be confirmed, but it
is expected to be in the region of
£35.
Zone is also selling Dr T's
Composer Quest, a musical title for
Commodore's CDTV. The program
contains information on music from
1600 to the present day. including
colour screens and 60 musical
performances. Biographies of
composers can be called up. as can
definitions of musical terminology. A
trivia quiz is also included. Composer
Quest costs £69.
The generic editor/librarian XOR
The release of the
Epson scanner and
ASDG's software
takes the Amiga one
step closer to
acceptance as a
serious machine for
desktop publishing.
Commented Keith
Howell of MB
Marketing: "It has
opened up a new
price point for full
colour A4 scanning.
The nearest Excellent results from Epson's full colour A4 flatbed
competitive product is scanner Sorr y y° u can,t see the colour
considerably more expensive." for a total of £1303.80 by HB
Epson « 442 61144. ASDG Marketing tr 0753 686000.
w 0101 608 2736585. The scanner Look out for a full review of the
plus ASDG's software is being sold scanner in next month's issue.
has been updated to contain 150
profiles. It can be used with the KCS
sequencer to enable real-time editing
and recording of sound profiles. Some
of the new profiles included in the
latest version are for the Boss SE50
effects unit, the Wavestation A/D, the
Wavestation EX and the Roland R8
drum machine. Existing owners of
XOR can obtain the update from Zone
for the price of postage and packing.
The product itself retails at £219.
although users of Zone's products
can buy it for £159.
Zone intends to run two seminars
during August and September. Fixed
dates or prices have yet to be
announced, although one seminar will
be for beginners while the other will
be for existing users of the KCS
sequencer.
Zone » 071 738 5444. Dr T's
Music Software » 0101 617
4551454.
DIAMOND SHARES IT OUT
The Computer dealer Diamond Is
hoping to float itself on the Stock
Exchange and issue shares to the
public.
This move follows a suggestion
for a merger by a technical company
already listed on the Stock
Exchange. Since Diamond will be the
majority share holder, the resulting
company will be called Diamond
Computer Systems PLC.
Diamond recently payed a seven
figure sum to take over the
beleaguered Microbyte dealer chain.
FISHY VIRUS ALERT
A new virus has been discovered on
disk 622 of the Fred Fish public
domain library.
The disk contains two versions of
Challenger, a quiz game. The English
version is safe, but the German
version when run will copy a trojan
bomb to either the user's hard disk or
Workbench system disk. It is believed
that the virus was created and
distributed by the author of Challenger
himself. No current virus checkers will
spot the infection.
Its effect is to print up a message
on 24 July each year. The computer is
unusable on this day.
If you have any worries about this
virus, contact the Virus Research
Centre » 0942 895320.
••• siop pms •••
FMG CRASHES
Commodore's official repair centre
FMG has ceased trading.
The company, which repaired all
of Commodore's machines under
warranty, ceased trading at nine
o'clock 17 June.
Commodore is currently hoping
to be able to carry out repairs itself.
If you have a faulty machine under
warranty, call Commodore Customer
Services « 0908 368222.
A spokeswoman for Commodore
could make no comment on the
status of machines already at FMG.
AMIOA SHOPPER • ISSUE 1 6 • AUGUST 1 992
ci writer's dream
vH
brdworth
—" -f
Tlie graphical nature of Wordworth® makes produnng
docunicnh raster and easier. The WYSIWYG display shows
exactly how your printed document will look, different fonts,
styles and cizps. headers and Footers graphics and so on.
Commands are grouped under a s of pull-down
menus dicessible either by the mou»
or keyboard. Frequently used
commands have on-screen icons,
including Help, should you need it.
Expenence the look and feel of
the new and exciting WB2 (even if
you use WBl3i. Each document is a
separate multi tasking window,
which means you could for example, print one document
while editing another.
Digita's® innovative Human Interface Protocol'- is
incorporated setting a new standard in speed, style and
elegance. "It HIP system is intuitive and a pleasure to use."
~ thank you Amiga Shopper, it's nice to be appreciated.
Graphics have always been the Amiga's strong point. Now
it's better than ever Pictures from
Deluxe Paint can be placed in
a document, and then sized, scaled
and dragged (text automatically
reformats around the image).
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Wordworth's enhanced fonts
will give you the very best printed
quality. You can also print special symbols, such as boxes,
arrows and so on. Better still, you can mix graphics,
Wordworth's enhanced fonts, Ami >nts ( Colorfonts and
your printer's own internal fonts, all on the same page.
There's even a driver for Postscript printers.
You needn't worry about your existing information -
Wordworth will let you open documents from most word
processors, including Kindwords. Protext and Wordpertect
(you can also mailmerge with Superbase).
When Amiga Format said "a new word processor that will
give the rest of the world a run for its money" they weren't
joking.
Wordworth is written in the UK by Digita. Which
means you'll be using an English Collins spelling checker
and thesaurus, and you'll know where to come for
professional support.
The only way to really
appreciate Wordworth is to use
it. Phone 0395 270273 for more
information or, write to Digita,
FREEPOST. Exmouth EX8 2YZ.
Wordworth costs £129.99,
which includes VAT. postage and
pa< king; and when purchased from Digita, comes with a
7 day money-back guarantee.
If you already own a word processor, for a limited
period only, you can trade-up for just £89.99 by returning
Ul Original disks to Digita with your order.
Summing up. Amiga Shopper said: "Pounds-per-feature
no other Amiga word processor comes close. Wordworth is
what every owner of Kindwords would wish they
had." Dreams become reality with
Wordworth.
Wbrdworth
Machine support
Written .specifically for the Am
Fully support* WB VU and V: 00
All medium Of hifth resolution modes
'mono and colour)
Requires 1MB ot memory
,
®
DIGITA
INTERNATIONAL
software thats right
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Woftfctfcvthi* ivabMe frocnMt ' . W H Smith *nd ill gond computer rrtadmor tolhr
Digita International Ltd Black Horse House I xmouth EX8 1JL ENGLAND Tel 0395 270273 Fax 0395 2*6893
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• • •
E W S
KD ROM SWITCHER
ICD haft released KlekBaek, a ROM
ftwttcher for all Amiga computer*,
including tho A600.
KickBack win enable users to
choose between versions 1.3 and 2
of Kickstart. It requires no
soldering; ll connects Instead via a
ribbon cable, which also solves any
conflicts of space with internal
accelerators and so on.
A particular ROM is selected by
holding down the (Amiga] and
[Control] heya simultaneously for o
fixed period. After this a tone will
sound, informing the user that the
ROM hoa been switched, end ateo
which ROM is now being used. The
user may also choose which of the
two ROMs is to be used as the
default on boot up.
KickBack costs £27 and is
available from Silica Systems
» 081 309 1111 and HB Marketing
« 0753 686000. ICD IS on * 0101
815 9682228.
FIRST REAL WORLD APPLICABLE NEURAL NETWORK FOR AMIGA LAUNCHED
NEURAL NETWORK SOFTWARE
American-based software house
MegageM has released a professional
neural network package for use on the
Amiga.
NeuroPro 2 uses a three layer back-
propogation system with up to 256
cells per layer and up to 131.072
connections in total. It utilises a
Workbench 2 look and feel to make its
application in pattern recognition,
speech recognition, language
translation and so on as easy as
possible. Control from ARexx is also
possible.
The system makes full use of the
Amiga's graphical abilities to show the
workings of all network operations and
data objects.
Data can by input at up to 256 bits
at a time, in the form of ASCII text,
HOME OFFICE mini Office
PROGRAM TO
BE RELEASED
fPMKn
There'll be no escaping extra office chores
with Europress' Mini Office for the Amiga
Europress is to launch an Amiga
version of Its popular Mini Office
home business package.
Mini Office was originally
released for the Commodore 64
computer in 1984. It has been
updated for the Amiga, and
consists of an integrated word
processor, spreadsheet, database, graphics program and set of disk utilities.
The word processor may be used in conjunction with the database and
graphics modules to produce mail merges. A variety of graph forms are
supported, including bar. line and pie charts.
A price has yet to be confirmed, although it will be between £60-80.
Europress « 0625 859333.
SOUND AND PICTURE COMPETITION
Elite Publications is organising a
three pronged competition for
creative Amiga users.
The first of the categories is still
images, which is sub-divided into
hand drawn images using packages
such as Deluxe Paint, hand drawn
images from HAM art packages, and
images created with the aid of a
computer, such as ray-traces and
fractals.
The second category Is for
moving pictures, which can be
submitted as either ANIM files,
stand-alone demos or on VHS video
tape.
Prizes for both of the above
categories are £300, £70 and £30
vouchers for purchases from Trilogic
Computers.
Sound samples and music form
the third category of the competition.
Sound effects, instruments and
music are permissible.
Entries to the competition must
be either in IFF format or on audio
tape. The best ten entrants will
receive a TechnoSound sampler and
have their work released into the
public domain.
The closing date for the
competition is at the beginning of
September. For further details call
Elite Publications « 0733 571109.
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arbitrary bit arrays or
as arrays of pixels.
The package
requires a maths co-
processor to run, and
a minimum of 1.5Mb
of RAM, although
2.5Mb are
recommended. It is
available at an
introductory pnee of
$199.95 until the end
of August, after which
It will sell for
$299.95. A demo
version, which NeuroPro 2 has a graphical front end to facilitate Its
doesn't need a maths u *® in real worid 9ltuat,ons - You'll need a big Amiga!
co-processor to run.
is available for $12.
MegageM • 0101 805 3491104.
TITIECEftRVinEnr,PAPUEP<
Videographers may be Interested In
users to add captions and titles to
a new package from Elite
their masterpieces.
Graphics.
Subjects covered by the
Videopack is a set of eight
package include weddings.
disks containing animations,
engagements, festive holidays.
backgrounds, ANIM brushes, text
sport and children. A minimum of
brushes and special effects, all of
1Mb is needed to make use of the
which load into version III or IV of
animations.
Deluxe Paint. The package is
Videopack costs £24.99 from
designed to help desktop video
Elite Graphics « 0827 288348.
Mastering AmigaDOS 2 Volume Two has been
updated to take Into account the commands
Included In version 2.04 of the Amiga's operating
system.
The book, written by Mark Smiddy, gives an
alphabetical listing of every command available
under AmigaDOS. from version 1.2 through to the
very latest. It includes appendices that deal with
error codes, viruses, the Interchange File Format
and the Mountlist.
Mastering AmigaDOS 2 Volume Two costs
£19.95 and is published by Bruce Smith Books
tr 0923 894355.
Relax
In front of your Amiga with
a good book - this one's
packed full of info
MORE FONTS...
George Thompson Services has
released a collection of
Compugraphic fonts.
The collection, the first of many,
comes on three disks containing a
total of 37 fonts. They are suitable for
use with all versions of Professional
Page, PageSetter 2, PageStream 2.x
and Workbench 2.x via the Fountain
utility.
The pack costs £9.99. George
Thompson Services » 0707 664654.
1 A AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
E W S
BOOK FOR BASIC
PROGRAMMERS
A new book for Basic programmers
has been released by K&M
Publishing.
Called Creative Basic, the book
is by D Martin Evans and consists of
a variety of functions, procedures,
subroutines, programs and tips to aid
the Basic programmer. String
manipulation, dates, numeric
functions, box drawing, menuing.
conversions, indexing and full screen
editing are all covered.
The programs are written in Turbo
Basic, and it is claimed by the
publisher that they will be easily
convertible to other dialects.
Creative Basic costs £5 from
K&M Publishing * 0490 2328.
PRINTERS GOING (HEAP
Kodak Dlconix 150 Plus printers are
being sold cheap by Morgan
Computers, specialists in surplus
and excess stock computer
hardware.
The printers, which retail for
£345. are being sold for only £150.
They are portable ink jet machines
capable of up to 150 characters per
second. They connect to the Amiga
via the parallel interface and are
capable of both Epson and IBM
emulation modes. Morgan Computers
» 081 575 0055.
LEARNIN GERMAN
MKLAUS WIRTH'S LATEST LANGUAGE TO BE RELEASED FOR AMIGA
Verstehst du diese Frage? If not
you'd best get hold of Micro German
Educational software house LCL has
released Micro German, a package
designed to take students up to
GCSE standard in German.
With the aid of graphics and
sound the package teaches written
and spoken German. It joins LCL's
Micro range - Micro Maths, Micro
English and Micro French.
LCL hopes that the package will
appeal to business people, as well as
students, thinking in terms of the
forthcoming single European market.
A program to automatically generate
business letters is incorporated.
Micro German costs £24 (plus
99p postage and packing) from
educational software stockists or
direct from LCL « 0491 579345.
PROGRAMMERS' DREAM
Real Time Associates Is to
the first commercial version of
Oberon-2.
Oberon-2 is the latest brainchild
of Nicklaus Wirth, creator of Pascal
and Modula-2. The mam advance it
offers over Modula-2 is the addition
of object-orientated features. These
enable the programmer to treat the
data, rather than the program itself,
as the most important feature of the
application under development. Such
a methodology is thought to aid the
rapid production of reliable code.
The package released by RTA is
called EXTACY. It is not a compiler as
such, but rather a set of two
translators. One is a Modula-2
translator, the other an Oberon 2
translator. Both produce C code
which must be further compiled with
a package such as SAS/iattice C.
With EXTACY, the programmer is at
liberty to write part of an application
in Modula-2, part in Oberon-2. and
part, perhaps the Amiga specific
areas, in C. and then link the whole
lot together.
The C code produced by the
translators is said to be very
efficient; although the programmer is
free to optimise or modify the
resulting C code as necessary.
A program is currently under
development that will convert the
Amiga C include files into Oberon so
that the system can access all of the
Amiga's facilities. It will either be
included with the finished EXTACY
package or supplied as an update.
EXTACY will cost £150 from Real
Time Associates » 081 6567333.
HUNTING FOR FONTS
EM Computergraphic has Just been
named as the sole UK distributor of
American-based Computer Safari's
collection of fonts.
The fonts are Adobe type 1,
which means that they can be used
directly with PageStream or with
Professional Page after conversion by
Professional Page's Fontmanager
program.
The first sixteen disks in the
collection, which each contain three
fonts, cost £7.99 each. A further
eight disks are available with
slightly more esoteric fonts for
£12.99 each.
LICENCEWARE REGISTER ESTABLISHED
A number of UK public domain houses have formed a single organisation to
deal with the distribution of llcenceware.
Called the Central Licenceware Register, or CLR. the organisation aims to
distribute all of the currently available licenceware disks under a single label,
putting an end to the divisiveness usually associated with licenceware. Any PD
library which is a member of the scheme will be able to distribute the entire
range of disks.
Prices are to be fixed at £3.50 for a program based on one disk, £4.50 for
one based on two. There are currently 17 titles in three categories: educational,
utilities and games. All disks will be badged with CLR's Hydra logo. Licenceware
programmers will benefit by being sent £1 for each disk sold.*
Libraries wishing to join the CLR scheme or programmers wishing to submit
software for distribution should contact their nearest participating library. These
currently include 17 Bit Software, Blitterchips. Essex Computer Systems.
Goldstar EC, Loadcrest. NBS, PD Soft. Start Computersm Valley PD and Virus
Free PD.
NEW CHROMA KEY UNIT
Desktop video enthuslats will be
pleased to hear of a new chroma
key unit launched by RocTec.
The RocKey retails for £351.33
and, when used in conjunction with
a genlock, enables users to
superimpose live video over graphics
or video, display graphics in front of
video, substitute the brightness
portion of a video source with a
keyed image, embed graphics in
video and embed video in graphics.
The product is to be marketed
by Jessops photographic stores and
HB Marketing » 0753 686000.
Jessops will be running a
competition until September 1 in
which any buyer of a RocTec genlock
will be eligible for winning a RocKey
unit.
In addition to these disks. EM
Computer-graphics is distributing a
number of public domain and
shareware fonts which have been
sourced from America and Canada.
Volume 3 contains 34 fonts for
use with PageStream only. It costs
£5. Volumes 4 through 7 each
contain between 60-80 Adobe type 1
fonts across five disks.
Each volume costs £12.50. For
more information on the above
contact EM Computergrapics
» 0255 431389.
SAMPLE LIBRARIES
FOR AMIGA
Walkabout Music has released a
collection of sound samples on 25
disks.
Each sample is taken directly from
a studio master at twice the rate used
in public domain sample disks. The
disks are divided into different
categories, including African. Indian.
Arabic, guitars, strings and brass.
Each disk costs £2.50. or £19.95 for
10. with an additional £1 for postage
and packing. Walkabout Music
tt 072681 3807.
DIARY DATES
July 19: All Formats Computer
Fair. National Motorcycle
Museum, Solihull.
? 0225 868100.
September 5: All Formats
Computer Fair. National
Motorcycle Museum. Solihull.
« 0225 868100. *
September 12: All Formats
Computer Fair. Sandown
Racecourse, Esher.
•b 0225 868100.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992 1 1
MEMORY EXPANSION
HOENIX PRODUCTS
i r
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Built to the highest technical specifications they offer full auto
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AMIGA RELEASE 2
The long awaited
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LETTERS
DEAD BABIES
I remember the day that my new
A900 arrived, nudging the sturdy
but distinctly uncool CPC6128 into
the dark recesses of the spare
room. The dining room table
gradually disappeared beneath
winters and extra disk drives.
cables snaked across the carpet
Into the Hi-Fi, the children were
given a quick blast of The Simpsons
And then t Aid that the Amstrad was
all theirs now (howls of derisive
laughter), and my wife packed a few
••■•ntlnlft and went to stay with her
mAther.
The world was my oyster! All
those slots! And best of all. a dirty
bie slot in the side which would
connect to anything... RAM
expansions hard disks. PC
emulators, expresso coffee
machines...
But now my Baby is obsolete.
Th« A600 takes smart cards, but
nobody is rushing to make any. The
A570 will now cost £350 as it
needs WB2.0. The CDTV software Is
elephant doodoo. The Big Cheese at
Commodore says that putting faster
chips In an A 500 would be like
driving a Ferrari In a no-parking
zone. PC386s wrth SVGA monitors,
stonklng great hard drives and
sound boards can be picked up for
£7-800. and PC prices are in free
fall... what's a poor boy to do?
Commodore has not just shot
itself in the foot, but seems to be
intent on stuffing its nuts Into the
food processor too. Punters like
myself who enjoy being a Railroad
Tycoon, checking out the odd
dungeon and flying the F-29
Turbonutter will be asking Santa for
the low risk option of a good PC. oh
and by the way, lob the kids a
SuperNintendol
Martin Badkin
Leighton Buzzard
Don't get too nostalgic though Martin
will you? - It's not as though 1.2
million UK Amigas. and the software
and add-ons for them, are going to
disappear off the face of the planet.
I'd say the machine still has a bright
future ahead of it - look at it this
way; sheer force of numbers is going
to maintain a healthy market
provision because developers and
publishers can't afford to ignore such
a massive user base.
WHITHER THEM 500?
So that's ft then, the A500 range is
officially stuffed! Do you ever get
the feeling that you're having the
old wossname taken out of you? At
the same time, I read that
production of the A500 Plus is to be
terminated, I learn that the entire
range of Amigas is to be
"Improved ". and that the price of
the A570 CD-ROM drive is to be
hiked up by £100 and that's before
It's even released! When will it all
end?
I have had an A1500 for barely
three months now but I'm already
heartily sick of seeing "Not enough
memory" on the screen, and those
clunky drives are sending me gaga.
Additional memory is a must and so
too. if you want to do more than
play games, is a hard drive. That's
about £400 right away.
Wrth the demise of the A500
Plus, the cost of the add-ons
for existing machines will probably
drop to clear stocks, so, does that
mean that A1500/2000 and
A3000 owners will have to pay
more for their add-ons to make up
the loss?
Finally. I direct this last
comment to Commodore. If I knew
three months ago what I know now I
may well have gone for a PC instead
of an Amiga. Think It over!
Richard Sharp
Dundee
I don't think you should assume
you'll have to pay more for add-ons
to make up for losses on A500
peripherals. But if you have any
doubts then maybe you should buy
that extra memory now.
"/f / knew three
months ago what I
know now I would
have got a PC"
68000 REASONS
The A600 is a step backwards not
forwards. If the 500 is obsolete then
It's because It only has a 68000.
and what's the 600 got? The same
thing - absolutely stupid!
NP Wilson
Peterborough
Yes... this is probably the fact which
A500 owners find most perplexing.
If the A600 had been launched with
a 68020/030 or even 040 chip then
all would have been forgiven and
Commodore would now be receiving
rapturous applause.
The A600 just doesn't appear to
be any great leap forward and as
such doesn't do much to instill
confidence in the company.
If, for my sins, I were appointed
to the board of Commodore US (and
hey! - you know where to contact me
guys...) I would have just put a lid on
the whole subject until I had a Super
Amiga about to be launched.
Because that's what should have
been done. As it is though...
ill
Last month we broke the news that the Amiga
A500 is to be discontinued. Since then, we've
been inundated with a flood of letters
commenting on this err... rather brave decision
by Commodore to cease production of a
machine which has sold 1 .2 million units in the
UK alone.
Here's the pick of the postbag...
LUNACY
The A600 - one small step for man,
one...
CR Thorpe
Merseyslde
POCKET AMIGA NEXT?
What on earth do those nonsense-
mongers at Commodore think they
are doing? Wasn't it only six
months ago that they were saying
that the A500 Plus was the
product, the personal home
computer?
You'd better keep an eye on the
boys at Commodore because by
Christmas they'll probably
discontinue the A600 and replace it
with a pocket Amiga. Don't they
know a good thing when they are on
to it.
From a very confused but proud
A500 owner.
Mr Anon
My money is on an Amiga Organiser.
Only joking...
THE AMIGA CONSOLE
So Commodore is dropping the
A500 "range" in favour of the A600
- what a ludicrous move. It would
seem more viable to me to release a
cheaper, cutdown A600, (If It has to
exist) as a superior alternative to
the ever growing console market
while retaining the A500 and
marketing it as an entry level
"serious" machine.
Also, why is it recently that
every time CBM develops a minor
improvement to Its existing range it
releases a whole new machine? The
Amiga Is now seven years old and Is
in need of a serious revamp. So why
not give us a completely new Amiga
and give us. the users, peace of
mind and the third party developers
a break. They are the people who
have to keep putting the time and
money into redesigning upgrades for
every new machine. Surely CBM
should support existing Amiga users
not alienate them. It would serve
CBM right if third party developers
refused to acknowledge the A600.
Thanks for hearing me out.
Darren Kemp
Leeds
We took an A600 apart the other day
(and not with a lump hammer and
crowbar i hasten to add) and lo and
behold there on the motherboard
was the legend *A300\ Now. all
through 1991 there were rumours
circulating of a proposed Amiga
console with the codename A300. I
think basically what's happened is
that CBM has done some furious
continued on pa go 14
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992 | 4
LETTERS
continued from page 13
bach pedalling here. It's seen the
HDject failure of the C64 console,
seen the unassailable world
domination of Nintendo and Sega
and realised, in any case, that its
impossible to bring out a cut-down
Amiga at anything like the sut>£150
price point of a games console.
Hence the A600.
DO THE WRITE THING
Having just upgraded my three-year-
old Amiga 500 to a new A500 Plus,
I was horrified to road that
Commodore is withdrawing support
for the A 500.
in my opinion. Commodore has
let us A 500 owners down once too
much. I for one will not be
downgrading to an A600 to stay
compatible, nor can I afford to trash
my Amiga system for an A1500 or
B2000. Therefore, unless
Commodore at least compromises, I
for one will not be continuing to
support its products. For that
money I can buy a nice lGMhz 386
PC with a 40 meg hard drive.
I have written to the managing
director of Commodore UK. Mr
Steve Franklin, and the managing
director of Commodore USA,
expressing my views, and I would
strongly urge other users In my
position to put prlnthead to paper
and do likewise.
It Is time that Commodore
learned to support Its customers,
and not abuse them.
David French
Salcombe
You might therefore like to know that
coincidentally. or un-coincidentally
depending on how conspiratorial you
are about these things. Commodore
UK has a new MD - Mr Kelly Sumner.
"/, for one, will not
be downgrading to
an A600 to stay
compatible"
ON THE OTHER HAND
The A500, Commodores entry level
model for the past few years, was a
great machine for its time.
Unfortunately, everything must
come to an end and In the computer
industry lifetimes are often shorter
that of a hedgehog crossing the Ml.
Next up the line are the
A1500/2000 series computers.
Excellent machines and almost
Infinitely expandable, but I don't
think that even these will defy the
grim reaper for much longer either.
Finally the A3000. the top of
the range and definitely top of the
price range Amiga. A marvellous
machine held back by the fact that
it costs almost as a much as an
annual season ticket from Brighton
to London on British Rail.
The good thing Is that, at this
time, only two series of processors
are widely used on the market. The
680x0 and the 80x86 CPUs, both of
which are available to Amiga users
via accelerators and Brldgeboards,
which means that current users
won't be left out.
As for chip upgraders - well at
least Commodore released models
with the ECS and Kickstart 2, which
saved people who bought their
machines in the last six months
from forking out on upgrades, and
those who have old models can buy
an upgrade and have It fitted quite
easily and cheaply. Even If you want
the Super Agnus chip with 2Mb of
Chip RAM, third party manufacturers
have made an adaptor for ASOO and
A1500/2000 machines. But
because of the way the A600's
motherboard Is made, they will have
great difficulty in upgrading that.
As for the 'credit card' slot on
the A600. I doubt If many Items
that aren't already available for the
A 500 will be manufactured for It
until it's known Just how popular
the machine Is, and even then I'd
bet my last penny on a third party
manufacturer producing an add-on
with the Gayle chip and a 'credit
card drive' for existing machines.
Personally. I think that the
A600 machine is just a bridging
machine for a better A800 or A2200
running a 68020 CPU. and won't
last for long. I believe the
A1500/2000 series will soon die a
natural death.
Hopefully Commodore will
reduce the price of the A3000
enough to make that the mid-range
machine and a new A4000 model
the top of the range. Either way,
unless Commodore makes a radical
change to AmigaDOS and
Workbench, existing users shouldn't
be left out too much. Preferably,
Commodore's 'Power Up', the
machine upgrade system, should be
made more comprehensive as to
allow more users to upgrade with
better deals. After all, if it wasn't
for Amiga lovers all over the world,
there wouldn't be anything to
upgrade anyway.
By the way, I'm an A 1500 user
so my machine could be phased out
as quickly as the A500. Although
this worries me, I have to look at
the future, and personally I'd rather
have a new range of Amlgas than no
Amlgas at all.
Kevin Breldenbach
Heme Bay
A good, positive angle there Kevin
and one which I think is the best way
to reflect on this whole development.
It's got to be only a matter of time
before some enterprising third party
company brings out an A500 to
A600 add-on connector. As I said
earlier, sheer force of numbers will
dictate it.
QUICK GOODBYES 1
I think the A600 will fall to sell like
the A500 did. It certainly Isn't an
improvement.
RL Hughes
Dariaston
I feel this is a great kick In the teeth
from Commodore to all one million of
its supporters.
Julian Baum
Chester
Commodore needs to take a serious
look at Sinclair. Watch out! - you're
heading the same way.
PBetts
Leydene
The A600? I like It, but It should have
three things, battery power, LAN and
a screen in a clam-shell lid.
Graeme Bell
Glasgow
Commodore could have warned its
users that the A500 was to become
obsolete.
Mr JA Ettles
Bury
tee
BUT THEN AGAIN..
I was horrified by the announcement
that Commodore is to junk the
ASOO and A500 Plus, mainly
because of Its crass idiocy in
treating one million owners as If
they were Just a set of sales
statistics.
I bought my A500 a year ago,
not for games, but because It was
cheap, and went on to discover
what a great number of things one
can do with It: designing knitwear
for my knitting machine with
DPalnt, corresponding with friends
and business people, desktop
publishing and the whole world
of PD programs which Is a
revelation.
I don't want a costly all-singing,
all dancing, high-spec machine to
do all these bits and pieces, nor do I
want an A600 which Is mainly for
games. What I want are
improvements to the A500 and
A500 Plus and a bit of continuity. I
definitely don't want an "end of
the line" announcement which is. to
say the least, a slap In the face for
one million Amiga owners.
Commodore has really flipped
Its corporate lid this time around!
Margaret Haedicke
Bridgewater
Somerset
I think you just have to rest assured
that third party developers and
publishers will provide the continuity
you are looking for Margaret. But by
all means have a good moan in the
meantime.
"\ don't think the
Al 500/2000 series
will defy the grim
reaper either"
A BUNCH OF CYNICS?
I purchased an Amiga A500 Pius in
November 1991. Never having
owned a computer before It has
been a challenge to be able to use
it In a productive manner. Seven
months later I have managed to get
to grips with some aspects of Its
use. It comes as a great
disappointment to learn that the
A 500 range of computers is now no
longer In production.
It Is my opinion that Commodore
has little commitment to Its
existing customers. This is
displayed by the cynical comments
of Commodore's representative,
Kelly Sumner, in Amiga Shopper's
July Issue.
Computers are unlike most
Items which are purchased in a
shop as they rely heavily on
software and hardware produced
and supported by independent
companies. This could be adversely
affected by the news that the A500
range of computers will no longer be
produced.
My other concern Is, If in the
future my computer should require
repairs, will spare parts be readily
available?
Derek Brown
Kilmarnock
Ayrshire
I can only imagine that spare parts
will always be available if there's
sufficient demand for them. It's like
old cars. I have a 1969 BMW which
is no longer 'officially' supported but
you just find that small companies
turn out 'cloned' spares, mostly at
significantly cheaper prices than the
14
AMIGA SHOPPER ft |«Uf }(> « AUGUST 1992
LETTERS
originals. In any case, I guess
there's literally tons of A500 spares
out there - look at how many Amigas
need fixing!
(Only Johing- admission 2).
MURDER MOST FOUL
I road with Interest your article on
the death of the A500 Plus. I have
quite a few friends with Amigas and
all of them said that this is the end
of tho Amiga. A lot of third party
m.mtil.if turr-rs are going to either
stop making extras for Commodore
computers or just produce add-ons
for tho now brood.
Commodore has constantly
ignored the people who have
Qupperted It (and made it vast
profits) and hampered developments
by others who could have pushed
the Amiga forward, by refusing to
allow its chips to be used - take for
instance the few failed attempts to
produce a lap top by German and
American firms - these could have
opened huge new markets but, no,
Commodore nas scuppered every
attempt to bring such machines
out.
Well, as far as I can see. once
again It's the end user who Is left
out. When the new Plus came out It
was hailed as the new wonder to
take the Amiga ^__^^^^^^^
Into the 90s. Now
all those people
who bought new
500s or upgraded
their 1.3s have
been dumped by
Commodore. I
myself have spent
nearly £1750 on
Commodore
hardware in the
past year and now I
am seriously
thinking of selling "— — ^— —
up and buying a PC, at least I will
be able to keep up with changes
thanks to the way the PC is set up,
ie upgrading a 286 to a 386 is easy.
just spend £150 and insert a new
motherboard - no problems.
If Commodore had any sense rt
would have released a 500 or 1500
with a faster processor at least a
year ago - the prices of such things
have been dropping for ages but, no,
It stuck blindly to the same old
68000 with the exception of the
3000.
The Amiga is now at the same
stage as the Speccy was two years
ago and we all know where that Is
now... and you cannot say that ft
will not happen to the Amiga as
there are over a million of them In
the U.K alone and that will keep It
going. The humble Speccy had sold
over 3 million In the UK, even before
the 128 was released and that
didn't help ft.
The way forward Is not by
alienating people who have invested
lots of cash and time In
Commodore's products, but by
bringing out sensible upgrades with
as much compatibility as possible
with older models. This gives people
the chance to buy upgrades at a
reasonable price, not bringing out
stupid things like the 600. Who in
their right minds is going to develop
for this? I can just see software
houses investing in the smart-card
port idea when the Amiga scene is
dying: all they are going to do is
move into PC and console markets;
why invest in the smart-card if
Commodore is going to bring
another computer out in a few
months with yet more stupid slots,
etc?
To save the Amiga, the people
say Commodore should trash the
600 and any machines based round
ft that they might be bringing out,
and go back to the 500 Plus/1500
but stick a 68030 cpu and 68882
fpu In some of them running at
25MHZ/33MHZ with a SCSI interface.
R.I.P. the Amiga - killed by
Commodore's inability to support
end users.
Bom - June 85. Murdered - May 92.
M Barker
Hull
"If Commodore had
any sense it would
have released a
500 with a faster
processor at least a
year ago"
I take your point
about the Spectrum
but the situation
here is different. It's
not as though you
can significantly
upgrade a Speccy by
sticking in a 68040
card is it? No. The
Speccy died
because it was
superseded by
technological
-7— advance. With the
Amiga you can at least transform its
power beyGnd belief and. with
emulation, even run a 386 PC.
MISUNDERSTOOD YES...
It seems to me that Commodore
has completely misunderstood
where the A500 series now lies in
the market place, namely that It is
an upgradeable affordable machine
capable of being used as a simple
games machine or for more serious
business purposes after improving
the machine internally as well as
externally.
People are able to improve the
performance of the A500 gradually
as their pocket allows.
My A500 for example has a
Microbiotlcs VXL30 25Mhz
accelerator board now with Co-Pro,
an A590 fitted with 40 meg drive
with two meg memory expansion
and a SuperRam 500RX 2 meg ( at
present) also a Rendale Genlock all
of this added gradually. With the
"/n short I think
Commodore is very
slowly committing
suicide
//
scrapping of the A500 you will not
have a machine in the A500 price
bracket that can be turned In to a
more powerful machine. Certainly ft
would seem Impossible to improve
an A600 In such a way!
In short I think Commodore is
very slowly committing suicide. It
has developed two flexible
machines (thanks largely to third
party suppliers) called the A500 and
the Plus. There is a huge network of
companies supporting the A500 and
it has a large amount of users. But
It's been all thrown away.
Wake up !!
Mr G Scott
Bognor Regis
BUT UNEXPANDABLE?
What on earth is Commodore doing
switching to SMT (Surface Mount
Technology). It makes the A600
virtually Impossible to expand to
any large degree. This will stop a lot
of people from buying them; for
instance, small business' which
need an emulator won't buy them,
because none of the emulators can
be plugged in. As a side effect of
SMT. people with A500s could be
worried about future expansions not
being made for their machines.
Also, what happens when
Commodore releases new versions
of custom chips? Can you see
Amiga owners all over the country
trying to solder a new Agnus Into
the thing? It's difficult enough for a
professional to do.
As I see things at the moment
Commodore needs to do one of two
things (or both) if they want to stay
on top. Either lower prices all round,
(drastically In the case of the
A3000) or upgrade the machines by
a large amount so people are
getting good value for money. I see
room for four versions of the Amiga.
The A600 for the games player. The
A2000 for the serious home user.
The A3000 for the professional on a
budget. And lastly, the A4000
(with a 68040 CPU) for the
professional who needs serious
power.
Stephen Boddy
York
-
I don't think you should assume the
A600 is unexpandable in the way you
refer. It has a pretty decent 25-pin
edge connector which opens up to
the outside world of add-ons - it's
just that CBM has caught everyone
on the hop and there's none
available yet. Time will tell...
QUICK GOODBYES 2
Why didn't they give the A500 a
faster processor, new custom chips
and take notice of the tremendous
Industry support out there? Build on
success, not kick it in the teeth.
John Ward
Derby
The only people who will enjoy the
new A600 are the sort of people who
think Mario and Sonic are the best
thing since Space Invaders.
Ian Shillito
Uxbrldge
All in all I think the A600 is a cut-
down A 500 games console not
worthy of the name Amiga and the
sooner it dies the better.
OrahamSmfth
N Featherstone
NOW
the A500 Is dead,
Commodore is bound to kill off the
A2000 as well. It's OK to say trade-in
buy a A3000 but they're
overpriced and buying a 040 card for
my 2000 would be cheaper.
Robert Hart
So there you have it.. .except for this:
COMMODORE IS DEAD
Stupid... idiotic... insane... the list
goes on. There's sure to be loads of
comment and anger over the loonies
at Commodore scrapping the
A500/A500 Plus - suffice to say I
will personally never purchase any
product by them ever again.
Kev Allcock
Stockport
Just one of the many letters that
seem to sum up 'the feeling on the
street'. Depressing stuff maybe but
take it from me - there's loadsa life
in the old dog yet!
NEXT MONTH
TALKING SHOP will return to Its
normal format - so get writing on
anything and everything under the
Amiga sun and send It to me,
Andy Storer, at: Talking Shop,
Amiga Shopper, 30, Monmouth St,
Bath B A 1 2BW.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 •AUGUST 1992
15
200 TOP TIPS
HARD DRIVES
Here it is - the greatest collection of Amiga
tips ever printed. From programming in
assembler to word processing, we give
you the hints that ensure you get the most
out of your machine. One basic tip before
vou read on: subscribe to Amiaa Shoooer
hard drive is one of the
most essential purchases
for all Amiga users.
Choosing and using a
hard drive can be tricky; there are
quite a few different drives on the
market, some are excellent, some
arc real stinkera.
How do you work out which is
the best to buy? And once you have
your hard drive, how should you go
about using it. And how should you
make sure your hard drive continues
to perform flawlessly?
1 Space - Work out how much hard
drive space you really need.
Remember that each floppy disk you
install on your hard drive will eat
away nearly 1Mb of your precious
storage.
Don't expect to be able to install
many games on hard drive. Most
games are copy protected, so check
on the boxes to see if they will allow
hard disk installation. If you're only
interested in word processing you
can probably get away with a small
40Mb or 50Mb hard drive (the 20Mb
drives still sold by some companies,
in particular Commodore, are really
not worth considering unless on a
really tight budget). Desktop
publishing, graphics, databases and
programming require a little more
space to work, and if you're going to
do any multimedia work you're
looking at big (500Mb+) hard drives.
2 Plug-in and go - Unless you
know your SCSI terminators from
your Rigid Disk Blocks, make sure
you buy your hard drive and controller
together and make sure that the
drive ts Preformatted and installed by
the supplier. This will mean you can
plug in and go when you get your
hard drive home, and you won't be
frustrated with trying to get
installation programs working. Under
no circumstances be tempted to buy
a hard drive cheap from an auction.
Most of them don't work, and those
that do will be almost impossible to
link to the Amiga. You may think that
£50 for an 80Mb drive is cheap
when you buy it, but it's an expensive
doorstop when you can't run it.
3 Drive mechanism - Check what
type of drive mechanism is being
supplied; most are SCSI, but some
are XT or AT IDE drives. In general.
SCSI is the best (as it will allow you
to add up to six more drives. CD-
ROMs, tapestreamers or other
devices to your system), whereas IDE
will only allow one extra hard drive to
be attached (and on some
controllers none at all). AT IDE and
SCSI drives are more or less the
same speed, but XT IDE and
^^^
w
^^fl
L * ^^^.
^^ ^^^^
y
^^ i
' .
L^^s ^m
What's so hard about a hard drive? Get to grips with tips
numbered one to ten and you'll be able to plug in and go!
MFM/RLL drives are much slower,
and should be avoided.
4 Drive standards - Commodore,
when designing its new
generation of Amiga hard drives (the
A590 and the A2091) published a
specification for hardware
manafacturers to follow so that
different drives and controllers from
different manufacturers could be
compatible. Fundamental to this is a
feature called Rigid Disk Block
(RDB). It means that a small table of
information about the drive including
where the partitions are set up. what
file system they are using, and their
names is written to a block on the
disk. Any controller using the RDB
system can then look at this block
and correctly identify and use the
drive, so a hard disk formatted on a
Commodore Amiga 3000 can be
read fine when plugged into the back
of a GVP Impact 500 controller. This
may not seem useful, but it means
that software (such as drive
optimisers and disk repair programs)
can be written to function with all
such controllers. Not all controllers
support this. GVP. Commodore.
Supra. IVS. ICD. Nexus and
Microbotics controllers support RDB;
some others do not.
5 Extras - Controllers vary widely
in extras supplied. Some have
room for expansion RAM to be fitted.
often up to 8Mb. With Amiga 500
controllers check how much the full
8Mb will cost, in some (for example
the Supra and GVP). using 8Mb
requires expensive lMbx4 chips.
Other extras to look out for are a
SCSI through port (for adding
contioved en pogt 18
16
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
ROCHARD RH800C
EXTERNAL HARD DISK DRIVE
FOR THE A500 AND A500+
«
SW1
your Amiga and be
amazed at the speed
with which it
«
■
If you're
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rive for your Amiga,
lis should be high
i your list
AMIGA SHOPPER
REVIEW MAY 1992
streamline plastic casing for
perfect fit to your A500
or A500 Plus
upgradable HDD capacity
(40MB and avove) with user
friendly installation
supports 2 IDE hard drives
external SCSI port supports up
to 7 extra SCSI hard drives or
other SCSI periphals
expandable to 8MB SIMM
memory in 4 easy steps
game switch ensures complete
compatibility with game
softwares
can be used solely as a 8MB
RAM expansion
Augoconfig compatible and
auloboot with Kickstart 1.3 and
above
auto power sensing
reliable external power supply
unit included
ROCTEC
52MB
SCSI.0K
£339
105MB £1QQ
SCSI,0K
iw
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M i T I D
iiffBPrf A* MnduriHl to / *c Humu tmnenttttn 0292 775ft / 1
200 TOP TIPS
HARD DRIVES/2D PAINT PACKAGES
N>
rofttinunH from pngn 16
oxtcrnol drives), a game switch (for
disabling the hard disk to load floppy
based games), and an external
power supply (essential if you've got
a hard drive plus Fast RAM).
6 Through porta - If you've got an
Amiga 500 and you've already
got a dovice plugged into the
oftponoion Docket to the left of the
Amiga, you may have to remove this
to use the hard drive. While some
hard drives and other devices have
through ports, these are notoriously
unreliable, and you don't want your
hard drive to crash while you're in
the middle of saving something.
7Vlru« alert - Once you novo got
your hard drive up and running
you should install a virus checker on
your machine to avoid infection. The
only types of viruses that con infect a
hard drive are file viruses'. The hard
drive does not have a boot block' In
the some way that a floppy disk has,
co virucoe cannot infect it this way.
Always boot with your hard drive if
possible; if you have to boot with a
foreign disk disable the hard drive if
you can. Another good way to avoid
viruses is to upgrade to Kickstart
2.04 - most viruses do not work
under the new operating system,
particularly the nasty Saddam virus.
8 Backing up - Back up your hard
disk regularly. It is well worth
investing in professional backup
software {Quarterback 5 and Ami
Back are two of the best) to do the
job properly. If you've got a large
hard disk you will either need a lot of
blank disks and a lot of spare time,
or a SCSI tapestreamer. which can
back up over 500Mb in one go.
9 Fragmentation - You may find
that after a few weeks use your
drive will seem to slow down, this is
because the disk is fragmented.
Files are not always stored in one
lump on the disk: sometimes, if
there are no gaps large enough for
the file to fit in one place, the file will
be split Into several fragments'
which are placed on different
physical areas of the disk (although
it will still appear as one file to the
Amiga).
When you try and load this file it
will take much longer (as it has to
load several small parts). To cure
this you need to 'defragment' your
hard drive. To do this you can back
up all the files on to disks, reformat
and restore all the files, or use a
program such as Quarterback Tools
to defragment the drive (Always back
up the drive before defragmenting).
1 /\ Parking - Most hard drives
JL" have autoparking (when the
power is turned off the drive heads
move to a safe place for transit). All
modem SCSI drives autopark, so
you'll never have to use the Park
programs provided with the drives.
Only elderly A590s need to use Park:
modern A590s have SCSI drives
which autopark.
Virtually every Amiga
owner in the known
universe owns a 20
paint package. Whether
you use DPaint or Photon Paint,
DigiPaint or SpectraColour, here's a
few tips to help you get the most
from your pixel punching program.
UHAM - Amiga paint packages
generally come in two flavours
- HAM {Photon Paint 2. DigiPamt etc)
and non-HAM {DPaint 3. Express-
Paint etc). Although several paint
packages are not starting to bridge
this gap (notably DPaint 4), which
type of paint package to buy is a
difficult decision. Generally though,
always go for a non-HAM package
first and move up to HAM later. HAM
can be a pain to work with, so you'll
find a non-HAM paint package much
easier to contend with.
•| C% Basic tools - When choosing
1m a HAM paint package, check
that your chosen program includes
all the basic painting tools. Many
HAM paint packages are available
that offer a multitude of power (but
often useful) extra features, but fail
to deliver basic painting tools.
DigiPaint 3 is a good example of this.
Although it is arguably the fastest
and most capable HAM paint
package available, it lacks a fill tool.
DPaint 4 is a very capable HAM paint
package but it can be painfully slow.
1 O ' ma 6 e processslng - A good
XO companion product to any 2D
paint package is an image
processing program such as ASDG's
Art Department Professional or
Progressive's PIXmate. These can be
a godsend when you need to convert
images between different formats (a
low resolution picture to high
resolution, a HAM picture to 32
colours etc). Unless you're working
with 24-bit images. PIXmate is the
best image processing program
available. It's available from Silica
Systems on 081 309 1111.
M Shading - Realistic shading
effects can be achieved
quickly and easily within DPaint using
its excellent 'Smooth' facility. To
create graduated shading between
two colours, create a spread of
colours between the two colours you
wish to blend and then
use the Freehand
Dotted tool to smooth
over the border. This
can be very effective
when used on
postensed images.
"1 Q Changing size - If you need to
A O resize an image to either low.
medium or high resolution within
DPaint, simply alter the page size to
the same as the screen mode you
desire. DPaint will then ask you
whether you want the bitmap
stretched or compressed to fit the
new page size. Although the image
will still be saved in the original
format, just select 'Cancel' when
DPaint asks you whether you wish to
change the screen mode when the
image is loaded into a screen of the
desired mode.
15
Colour
conversion - If
you need to convert a
HAM picture to 32
colours or less under
DPaint 4. set the
screen mode to the
mode that you wish the
image to be converted
to and then load the
HAM image in as if it
were a 32 colour
image. DPaint 4 will
then convert the HAM
image to 32 colours for
you, removing the need
to use a separate
image processing
program. DPaint 3 has
a similar facility, but it
cannot handle HAM images.
Unravel the mysteries of shading, colour conversion
and Image processing with tips 11 through 20. Never
before has handling DPaint been this easy
■| /J Stencils - Large unconnected
A \3 areas can be re-coloured
without affecting other areas of the
same colour with ease using
DPamt's stencil function. Simply
select the Stencil function and then
mark the colour that you wish to
recolour, click on 'Invert' and then
Make'. You can then recolour the
areas in question in bulk using the
filled rectangle tool without messing
up any of the colours that surround
them. The Stencil is very powerful
but few users seem to use it to its
full potential.
1 W Mono digitising - If you do a
X f lot of digitising using a mono
video digitiser such as VidiAmiga.
then get your hands on DigiPamt 3.
DigiPaint 3 has a very powerful
'Colorize' function which enables you
to apply coloured tints to any area of
a monochrome images. The results
are very impressive indeed.
If you can't quite stretch to the
price of a colour digitiser. then
DigiPaint 3 provides a quick and
easy method of adding colour to any
mono image.
1 Q Extra HalfBrite - Alth °ugh the
It/ Amiga's rather obscure Extra
HalfBrite mode is usually pretty
useless, it can be very useful indeed
for adding shading effects to images
with DPaint. Say for example you
wanted an object to cast a shadow
on to another object within DPaint.
All you would have to do is to pick up
the object that is to cast the shadow
as a brush, select 'HalfBrite' from
the Mode menu and stamp the brush
down where the shadow is to appear.
The brush will then be pasted down
using darker shades of the pixels in
the background.
20
Background and foreground -
If you need to mix a
background from one image with the
foreground from another (both with
different palettes), reduce both to
sixteen colours in low resolution,
load in the first, pick it up as a brush
and then save it off to disk. Load in
the second image then load in the
first in its brush form and then select
Remap Colours'. DPaint will then
automatically mix the two images
and create a new palette that retains
both palettes.
18
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
WORKBENCH/RAM EXPANSIONS
200 TOP TIPS
Preferences Vi,3,tB
EJUS.
Reset
38 Jan 92
17138
Key Repeat Delay
Short I > | Long
Key Repeat Speed
Slow f TlFast
Workbench
Interlace
Prom screen size to mouse speed, you can customise your whole set-up with
the aid of the Preferences screen. Printer and serial port (used for modems)
BOttlngc can also bo altered
Much of the Amiga's
power goes unnoticed
by the new user, who
Instead often becomes
frustrated at Its apparent inability to
carry out a simple task. Much of
this frustration can be avoided by
learning the little tricks and tips
that make life easier.
So off we go with ten tips for
getting to grips with the Amiga's
Workbench. Avoid all that tiresome
rummaging through countless
reference manuals. Read on, and
become a power user...
21
Drawers - These are a
convenient means of filing
programs and data. Placing
sometning in a drawer is a matter of
selecting its icon, dragging it over the
drawer and releasing it. A new drawer
is created by making a copy of the
existing Empty drawer. (Select
Duplicate from the Workbench
menu). This can be renamed and
placed wherever you like.
Have an organising principle
behind your drawers. You might
choose to place all of your DTP
software in one drawer, all of your
programming languages in another,
and all of your graphics files in a
third. There moy well be drawers
within each of these, determined by
each package's requirements.
C\ f\ The Trashcan - Get rid of an
£i m unwanted file by dragging this
icon into the Trashcan; even a drawer
and its contents can be deleted this
way.
Nothing is actually removed from
the disk until you click on the
Trashcan and then select Empty
Trash from the Disk menu. Until then
you can double click on the Trashcan
and it will reveal its contents in a
window.
f\ O Snapshot - This repositions
£i O icons and windows.
If you want to move an icon to a
different area in its window, select it
and move it to its new home. Then
select Snapshot from the Special
menu, thus storing its new position.
Windows can be moved around
the Workbench screen and re-sized in
a similar manner - to do this the
window alone must be selected.
You can Snapshot several icons
by multiple selection. While holding
down the [Shift] key, select each icon
in turn by single clicking on it. They
should all become selected. Now
choose Snapshot; all of their new
positions will be remembered.
O Fi Preterences ~ Tne Preferences
£i T" program, found in the
Preferences drawer of Workbench,
enables you to customise various
Workbench settings: screen colours
can be altered with the slider
controls at the bottom left of the
screen; the sensitivity of the mouse
can be adjusted such that a physical
movement corresponds to a varying
degree of movement in the screen
pointer; and the delay between a left
mouse button double click can be
altered, as can the key repeat speed.
You can choose between having
60 and 80 characters in a column -
60 columns is easier to read on a
TV. There is also a choice between
interlaced and non-interlaced
screens. An interlaced screen has
twice as many horizontal lines in it,
and as such it can display twice as
much information,
C\ [* Initialize - This prepares disks
£i %J for use by the Amiga. Any
blank disks you buy must go through
this process before anything can be
stored on them. If you initialise
(sometimes called 'format') a disk
already in use, then all information
stored on the disk will be lost.
To initialise a disk, put it in the
drive, click on its icon once and
select Initialize from the Disk menu.
O #? Duplicate - This copies the
M \J entire contents of one disk to
another. Click on the disk to be
copied and then select Duplicate
from the Workbench menu. You will
be asked to periodically insert the
source (the disk you are copying
from) and the destination (copying to)
disks as the process goes on.
Duplicate can also be used to
copy files. Select the icon and then
Duplicate.
C% *y Copying files without icons -
mt f This is often necessary when
copying PD programs to Workbench or
hard disk.
If a file doesn't have an icon, the
only way you can see it is via the
Shell. Open the Shell and make the
Dir. Copy and Makedir commands
resident by typing:
resident c:dir
and so on. Then insert your PD disk
and find out what is on it by typing
'dir'. Transfer each of the listed files
to your destination disk using the
Copy command:
copy df0:Pil«Of Interest J
MyDiek:
Other files will be held in directories.
If directories with the same names
already exist on your destination disk,
then copy the files into those
directories. Otherwise, make a
directory of the same name on the
destination disk:
makedir MyDisk:NewDirectory
and then copy the files across.
C\ Q Info - Among other things,
Ld O this Workbench menu option
can be used to link a project with its
parent application.
If you have a program written in
AmigaBasic. then you can write the
name of its application and where it
can be found in the Default Tool box
of the file's Info window - in this case
'Extras 1.3:AmigaBasic'. You can
then use the project by clicking on its
icon instead of having to click on its
application first and loading the
project from there.
If you later move the application
to another disk, you can modify the
Default Tool box in the project's Info
window to point to the application's
new location.
O O SetMa P ~ Tn,s le,ls lne Amiga
Li J/ which national keyboard you
are using. It is found in the Systems
drawer.
Click once on SetMap. select Info
from the Workbench menu, click in
the Tool Types [Add] box and type the
following:
KEYMAP=gb
{The first word must be in capitals.)
Press [Return] and click on [Save].
Now run the SetMap program by
double clicking on it. thus setting up
your keyboard as a British one.
Q A RAM Disk - The RAM disk can
O \3 be used like an ordinary floppy
disk, but is faster and its size is
limited only by the memory available.
Penodically save your work to
floppy, because a power loss or a
reset will erase its contents.
uying the right RAM
expansion to suit your
needs can be a bit of a
minefield - especially if
you have one of the traditionally
more limited machines such as the
A 500 or even the latest A600. If you
have a bigger model the choice Is
generally more limited - but the
options are better.
31
How much do you need? -
This depends a tot on the type
of applications you intend to run. For
most jobs, other than playing games,
consider 1Mb to be the absolute
minimum. The more complex the
application, the more memory it will
require. Incidentally, the size of an
application does not determine its
RAM requirements - a program just a
few bytes long could literally grab
GIGAbytes of RAM in one go. In
practice of course, this rarely
happens, but assume most packages
(ontiavtd on pogt 21
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
19
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2 p*ece Universal Printer Stand
Mullfunctlon Printer Stand ,
Monitor Stand, (tilt/swivel)
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ADDUP Starter Pack tor IBM users mc
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Amiga A501 RAM/clock expansion unit 500/500 Plus £99 50
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RAM EXPANSIONS/BASIC PROGRAMMING
200 TOP TIPS
limited power modules
capable of driving about
2Mb RAM and a single
external drive. Internal
RAM expansions will
cause extra drain and
may shorten the life of
both the PSU and the
machine. External units
are less of a problem
since most come
supplied with (or
support) an extra PSU.
If you need 2Mb or
The Cortex 1Mb - te
easy to install that the
Instructions are on the
back of the box
(ontmocd fiom page It
require twice their own
size (in bytes) of RAM
ana you won't go Tar
wrong.
Oa What will ,1
O M coat? If one
thing is certain. PAM is
never cheap and the
price fluctuates all the
time. Interestingly, the
price (and availability) of silicon is
often blamed although few RAM
chips are manufactured from silicon
and utilise a system of evaporated
metal oxide. The price of an upgrade
is determined by two major factors:
basic capacity and upward
expansion. The basic configuration
determines the initial price. The type
and design of the expansion fixes the
future cost - this point is especially
applicable to A500 expansions.
Q Q Wi " rt ** compatible? -
OO Owners of A2000 and similar
machines should have few problems
with compatibility between boards
since the expansion bus system is
quite well defined. The problem is
aggravated with the A500 since
some manufacturers shoehorn their
internal boards into the memory map
with software patches. More costly,
external expansions such as those
made by Supra, Power and Cortex
use a well defined standard called
Autoconfig IM which solves most, if
not all, the problems. The final proof
of the pudding is testing it - and
then it's often too late. If budget
allows, slick with external boards.
{One exception to this rule is the
512K and 1Mb trapdoor cards.)
O Fa Is power drain a problem? -
O^ Again, this is something
where the bigger machines score
over their baby brothers. On larger
Amigas, the internal PSU is designed
to cope with large RAM expansions
and other cards. The story with the
A500/600 is somewhat different
though. Both these machines have
The Zydec 512K - one add-on for the A500 and the
A500 Plus you definitely shouldn't forget
more, prefer one of these to the
internal option.
35
Four or 16 chips? - In theory
at least. RAM is RAM and the
story ends there. Chip manufacturers
are always getting more bytes per-
inch and therefore, the number of
chips required to fulfil a certain
memory requirement drops. An
interesting aside to this is: as the
chip count is reduced so are both the
power consumption and the heat
dissipation. Also, four chip designs
are less complex, cheaper to
produce in large quantities and
probably more reliable. Given the
option, the lower chip count is
usually the better bet.
36
Chip or Fast RAM? - This
question only applies to the
A500/600 and A3000 machines.
The first expansion you buy will
probably be Chip RAM since these
are the cheapest. (On the A3000.
you can swap the bits around as you
add more RAM.) The vast majority of
applications don't care what sort of
RAM you have - so long as there is
enough to go around. Chip RAM is
gobbled up by screen displays and
the sound system so this is the most
important.
Q ^f 512K trapdoor expansion
O I with the A500 Plus - As a
rule this is a waste of money, unless
the budget is tight. RAM added to the
trapdoor is automatically mapped for
the custom chips and the A500 Plus
supports 2Mb of CHIP RAM. As has
already been mentioned. Chip RAM is
the most important for most
applications, so get as much as you
can afford. The choice for A600
owners is much more limited at
present, and it seems unlikely a 512K
expansion of this type will be
produced. Such a device would be a
white elephant anyway.
O Q Throughports - Sideways RAM
O O expansions for the A500/500
Plus come in two groups: those with
throughports and those without. In a
perfect world. Autoconfig™ should
take care of RAM in any number of
external devices up to the machine's
theoretical memory limit. In practice
throughports can be more trouble
than they are worth: some A590s for
instance are known to suffer
problems with the Supra 500RX.
However, a RAM expansion without a
throughport is a dead end - so if you
cannot afford a combination unit,
prefer the design with a throughport.
Q Q PC emulators? - Some of the
O %J more recent hardware based
PC emulators such as the new Vortex
card for the A1500/2000 series
machines have their own RAM
anyway. Emulators for the A500/500
Plus are more problematical. Both AT-
Once and the KCS Powerboard will
use any Autoconfig™ RAM - the KCS
system supplies its own RAM anyway.
If you have a PC emulator, or intend
to buy one. avoid internal RAM
expansions - especially those with
software patches.
/i f\ ComD,natlon units ~ Combo
TTvJ cards, those incorporating
RAM expansions with accelerators,
hard disk controllers - you name it -
are always going to cost more in the
short term because of the extra bits.
However, on the A500 at least,
combinations represent very good
value for money because they can
save a lot of incompatibility problems
in the future.
However, you should be careful to
choose a card which will fulfil your
RAM requirements both now and in
the future. The A590, for instance,
only supports an extra 2Mb of on-
board RAM. This might seem
attractive initially, but it soon gets
used up. A1500/2000 owners have it
easier and there are generally less
compatibility problems.
asic Is by far the most
popular programming
language. Just about
everyone who has ever
begun to program has started with
Basic. It Is easy to learn, easy to
understand, and offers far more
power than many people think. Here
are some tips to help the would-be
programmers (and the more
experienced but lax programmers) on
their way:
Fa "I Design before you code -
4 X Always create a logical
'blueprint' of the program you wish to
write. You are not aiming for
perfection, just something to guide
you on the way!
Fa C% Documentation - Do produce
TA at least skeleton
documentation while you are
developing the program rather than
afterwards. This way the program is
still fresh in your mind.
Fa O Use comments - It may be
^O obvious to you now what
actions your masterpiece performs,
but it may not be in a couple of years!
Use comments to divide the program
into named sections to make the
program far more readable. See Figure
1 on page 22 for an example.
Fa Fa Clear variable names -
^T" Nowadays Basic allows the
use of long variables names, so make
the most of this facility to create
helpful, descriptive, code.
Admittedly code written in this
style will take longer to type, but it is
guaranteed to make more sense than
the cryptic use of variables named 'A',
'B' and so on.
Fa J* Minimize the use of globals -
T"»jGlobal variables are variables
which can be accessed (and changed)
from anywhere within a program.
Although they are useful at times
(error indicators and program exit
flags are examples of where global
variables can be used to good effect)
it is usually better to create isolated
procedures which work with local
copies of any data that is passed to
them.
Fa f* Keep your code clean - Isolate
^ vf any control sequences that
your program might need so that the
main body of code is not littered with
awkward-to-read statments like this
MIDI/serial-port related fragment...
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 •AUGUST 1992
21
200 TOP TIPS
BASIC PROGRAMMING/DESKTOP PUBLISHING
PRICT* 1,CHR$(4H90 OR J
channel) +CHRS (note) +CHR$ J
Embedding these types of control
sequences will make your programs
look messy and more difficult to
maintain. The best idea is to isolate
the sequences into separate
subroutines or functions.
For the above example the
preliminary user defined function
dpfinition...
DE¥ raNoteonS(note,ch)«CHR$ J
(&H90 OR J
ch ) tCHRS ( note ) tCHRS < 64 )
would enable the rest of the program
to send its data by using the more
readable expression...
nuwTffi, J
FNNoteOn$ ( note , channel )
A m Isolate I/O Code - Try to
T^ I eliminate all I/O and
machine dependent statements from
the main parte of rode. Instead
access these facilities indirectly. You
do not want statements such as the
following...
PR0MPT$="Please enter a J
record number"
COLOUR 1,4
SAY TRANSLATES (PROMPTS) J
INPUT
This would mean that the program
was linked to the computer on which
the program was writtten. The best
idea is to reference the facilities
using function calls, subroutines or,
subprograms...
REM COLLECT - MATRIX
COLLECT:
FOR RCW%=1 TO N%
FOR C0LUMN% = 1 TO N%
PRINT'A (-;R0W%;-,*;C0LUMN%;-) ... ";
INPUT TT<R0W%,C0LUMN%)
A ( ROW% , COLUMN% ) =U ( ROW% , COLUMN* )
NEXT COLUWrt
INVERSE. L(R0W%, ROW*) =1 'Not relevant to the collection of
'the matrix - it's just that this
'input loop is a convenient place
'to set up an identity matrix.
NEXT RCW%
REM
Figure 1: Use REM statements to isolate, and document, your code sections
FNSetScreenColour(RED)
00SUB UserMeseage
GOSUB Collectlnput
rem Get record number
These are useful if you want to write
programs that can be easily moved
to other machines. In these cases,
aim to eliminate all screen graphics
commands, data input or other I/O
and 0/S specific references from the
main body of the code and place
them in a set of isolated subroutines
at the end of the program. To get
such a program running on another
machine you will probably have to re-
write most of those I/O or 0/S
related calls... but the important
point is that you are unlikely to have
to alter the main body of code.
Jj Q Subroutines which do nothing
^O- You might be forgiven for
thinking that subroutines which do
nothing serve little purpose. In fact
routines such as the one shown
below can be useful...
REM D - N
DoNothing:
RETURN
THING
Supposing an input value S has five
different possible states and.
depending on the value of S, a
program has to execute one of five
subroutines. The code could be
based on an arrangement such as...
IP (S >0 AND S <6) THEN ON J
S GOSUB A, B, C, D, E
where A, B. C. D and E are the
subroutines which perform the
processing associated with the five
values. During development some of
these may be non-operational (or
nonexistent), so you need some way
of preventing certain subroutines
from being executed. Suppose you
wanted to prevent subroutine C from
being used in the above example -
just replace the reference to
subroutine C with a reference to a
subroutine that does nothing, like
this...
IF (S >0 AND S <6) THEN ON J
S GOSUB A, B, DoNothing, D, E
The approach is useful when you
have a large number of possible test
values and where not all values
require a subroutine to be executed.
One example is the execution of
routines performed when control
characters are detected. On the
basis of detecting keypresses
related to particular control codes
you may wish to perform certain
subroutines but in all probability you
will not wish to support all possible
control characters. Executing a 'Do
Nothing" routine for all control
characters that you do not wish to
support provides an easy solution.
f, t~\ Plan for the unexpected -
^2/ Your program should be user-
friendly but don't expect the user to
be program-friendly. Assume that the
user will make all possible mistakes
as far as use and data input are
concerned and plan so that your
programs do not come to a grinding
halt when a user puts a wrong disk
into the drive or supplies a wrong
input value. Programs should provide
error messages (and helpful
prompts) to guide the user back on
course.
C| /\ Keep It simple - Clarity will
4j vf pay off. Remember, one day
you may need to look at (and
understand) the code you wrote
years ago in order to make changes.
Pw
hether vou are
producing the
occasional single
sheet flyer, a fanzine
or even a whole book, you'll find the
following tips Invaluable for getting
the very best results out of your
desktop publishing package.
J* ^ Memory considerations - To
%J X conserve memory (and
increase the speed at which the
program operates) work on a 2-
colour non-interlaced screen.
Professional Page has switches for
this in its Preferences menu;
PageStream users will need to alter
the Tool Types of the program's icon
so that C0L0RS=2 and
INTERLACE=No.
Memory can be further conserved
by opening the program on the
Workbench. Alter PageStream's or
Professional Page's SCREEN Tool
Type so that SCREEN=Workbench.
Alternatively, Professional Page
users can open the program on a 2-
colour non-interlaced screen and
then switch the Workbench off from
the Preferences menu, which
conserves even more memory.
£ C\ Keeping It fast -
O^Compugraphic fonts, bitmaps
and structured drawings all take time
(and memory) to render, so it makes
Is DTP a prickly subject? Scaling down pictures and other DTP tips will
become second nature with the tricks of the trade presented on these pages
22
AMIGA 5H0PPIR • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
DESKTOP PUBLISHING/SOUND SAMPLING
200 TOP TIPS
sense to cut as many corners as
possible.
• Professional Page users -
Once you have a bitmap scaled to
the size you want it. X-out the graphic
by selecting the Hide button in the
Alter Current Box requester, if you're
working with a structured drawing,
make sure wireframe mode is on. or
else vou 11 nave to wait ror an the mi
patterns and line thichncsacs to
render. When come text has been
imported and requires no more
editorial changes, hide the boxes
containing that text so that it gets
greeked' instead of rendered.
• Pagestream users -
You can't tilde individual bitmaps, so
import, size and position all the
bitmaps vou require right at the start,
then toggle the 5huw pictures option
in tne view menu to cross them all
out.
f* Q 24-bit pictures - Professional
\J O Page usccj do nut need lots
of memory to import 24-bit pictures,
out tneyii need a fair on to oe aoie
to print them to a Preferences
printer.
The Amiga's printer. device
supports only up to 4,096 colours.
so it you are printing to a non-
PostScript printer you may as well
convert your 24-bit pictures down to
HAM to save memory, time and disk
space. Remember that HAM pictures
can be interlaced, but they must be
lo-res, so scale the width to 50 per
cent of the height to keep the aspect
ratio.
J* yj Bitmaps - Amiga bitmaps
•3^ have a resolution of 75 dpi.
To reduce the Oluchineaa of printed
output, scale bitmaps down (within
the DTP program) to at least 50 per
cent. If your printer's graphics output
resolution is 300 dpi. 25 per cent is
the smallest you can go before the
software has to start removing data
from the bitmap; if your printer is
240 dpi (9-pin) that figure is 31.25
per cent, for 360 dpi printers (24-pin
and bubble jet) it is 20.83 per cent.
[■ [■ Squaring pixels - Screen
Vv pixels are not exactly square,
and at some resolutions (like med-
res) they are positively rectangular.
You can help tne UTP software to
make a better job of scaling and
printing them by preparing bitmaps
beforehand by converting them to hi-
res interlaced format.
Do this with Art Department by
selecting Hi Res and Lace from the
screen controls panel, and then (if
necessary) enlarge the Y dimension
(height) by 200 per cent. Do this in
Deluxe Paint by selecting Screen
Format from the Picture menu and
selecting the Hi-Res button. When
the software asks if you want the
image stretched to fill the page, say
'Yes'.
If your bitmap contains too many
colours for hi res mode, convert to lo-
res non-interlaced.
K H Mono P r,nt,n g - If you are
%J \J printing to a monochrome
printer then there's not a lot of point
in using coloured pictures, converting
them to 16 levels of grey beforehand
will save time and memory.
The best tool to do this with is
Art Department Professional, but
Deluxe Paint is also able to convert
to 16 greys, even from HAM.
although you have to put some work
in.
First load the picture and then
change its Screen Format to 16
colours. Then bring up the palette
tool and change colour to black
and colour 15 to white. Click on the
black colour, click on Spread, click
on the white colour. Now select
Remap from the Color menu to get
the picture looking normal again.
J* W Screen frequency -
O I PageStream users can take
advantage of the Screen Frequency
feature of the Edit Coordinates
requester to get better greyscale
output.
If your printer is 300 dpi, make
the screen frequency figure 75 to get
the printer to produce 16 greyscales.
Increasing that figure to (say) 100
will give you a higher apparent output
resolution (the dots will be printed
closer together), but fewer levels of
grey will be produced. Decreasing the
screen frequency to (say) 60 will
allow more levels of grey (handy for
256 greyscale TlFFs) but the
apparent resolution will decrease
as the dots will be printed further
apart.
360 dpi printers should have a
screen frequency of 90 to get 16
greyscale output. 240 dpi printers
should have a screen frequency of
60.
(■J Q TurboPrint Professional -
%J O Professional Page and
PageSetter II users will get much
better greyscale output if TurtyoPrint
Professional is doing the dithering,
rather than Preferences.
If you find that pictures are
coming out too dark, adjust
TurboPrint s Gamma Correction
upwards slightly and try again.
Each picture will be different, so
you will need to experiment each
time to get the best results. If you
have more than one greyscale picture
on a page, you may have to
compromise with a happy medium.
g Q Colour printing- You're
\J \J asking a lot for a 9-pin. 24-pin
or inkjet printer to give you top
quality colour output of HAM pictures.
Each picture, and each printer, will
give different results, but one trick
you can try in order to get better
printed output is to convert the HAM
picture to 32 colours (or fewer)
before importing into the DTP
package.
Again. Art Department
Professional is the best tool to use.
but Deluxe Paint can do a similar
thing by simply changing the Screen
Format to 32 colours and letting it
compute a new palette. The picture
won't look as good on-screen, but it
will probably print better.
£ f\ Using the RAM disk - When
0\/ you are printing a desktop
published page to a Preferences
printer you are basically dumping a
massive picture.
It takes time for the software to
create that picture in memory, time to
transfer it to the printer, and time for
the printer to print it.
You can speed things up. if you
have the memory, by using the CMD
tool in order to send the output to a
RAM file instead of the printer, and
then using the Copy command to
send the file to the printer for
printing.
Double click the CMD icon, and
then 'print' your page or document.
When it has finished, quit the DTP
program and open a CLI or Shell.
Type the command
COPY RAM:CMD FILE TO PAR:
and the page/document will get
printed.
Depending on what you are
printing, this method can reduce
printout times by up to 25 per cent.
If you can afford It, then dump the sample editor that came with your
sampler and treat yourself to a copy of AudioMaster 4
f your samples don't quite
I come up to scratch, or you're
confused by the plethora of
poorly documented Sound
Tracker programs around,
read on and gain some handy
Insights into the world of Amiga
sound
f+ 1 Quality - The quality of the
\J X samples that are obtainable
from any sampler will only be as good
as the source signal that you feed it.
If you're sampling from a crummy
tape deck, then the results that you
get wont be that good. Unless you're
sampling real world sounds (speech.
for example) then always try to
sample from CD. Even the cheapest
CD players will consistently give you
much better results than audio tape
simply because of the cleaner audio
signal that a CD can output.
£JO Leads - Another equally
\j£i important factor to consider
when you sample from an audio
source is the quality of the audio lead
that you use to connect the sampler
and your audio source together. Many
samplers come with their own
sampling lead, but these are rarely
any good. If you can spare a couple
of pounds, then take a trip to your
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
23
200 TOP TIPS
SOUND SAMPLING/COMMUNICATIONS
local music technology store and
treat yourself to a professional audio
lead. Considering their relatively low
price (about £5 for 3 metres), these
leads will substantially increase the
quality of your samples.
/J O Microphones - If you're
DO sampling real life sounds,
then a decent microphone is a
worthwhile purchase. Many samplers
do como with thoir own microphones
hut I have yet to see a microphone
that could be described as anything
oilier than a tolal waste of space.
Once again, a trip down to your local
music technology store will be well
worth the effort. Have a chat with the
salesman - he will be able to advise
you on which microphone is best for
you. You may have to pay at least
£40 for a decent mike, but the
results will be worth it.
£*/a Stereo and mono - When
"t? purchasing a sampler, don't
Ignore mono samplers in favour of
the trendier stereo units that hove
flooded the market To be perfectly
honest, stereo sampling on anything
other than a Fairlight or a Synclavier
(two professional samplers with price
tags to match) is a complete waste
of time. Stereo samples not only use
up twice as much memory as a mono
sample, but they also restrict you to
Wave goodbye to the MIDI blues.
Sampling's a cinch with the tips
numbered 61 to 70
sampler, it may be worth your while
ditching the sample editing
software bundled with the sampler in
favour of one of the stand alone
sample editor programs now
available on the marKet. These may
cost you anything from £50
u-*-Qct*MEO-Profiuion*Hv3.oo)
FILES HISC
[iDBB vol / ?**
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Choosing a Sound Tracker utility can be confusing unless you know what to
look for. OctaMED shown here is one of the most fully featured available
a maximum sampling rate of just
29KHz. Very few packages support
stereo samples, so you're unlikely to
ever find a use for this facility. If the
sampler produces good quality mono
samples, then that's the one to go
for.
f* £? Editing software - For the
vJO best results from any
upwards, but they're streets ahead
of any of the bundled packages
available.
The current top two sample
editing packages on the market are
SunRize Industries' Audition 4 and
Oxxi/Aegis' AudioMaster 4. Both
of these packages are available
from HB Marketing on 0753
686000.
/^ /> Sampling - If you
vJvlare serious
about your sound
tracking sessions, then
an absolute must is a
sound sampler.
Although most
trackers come with a
wide selection of
sampled instruments,
owning a sampler will
allow you to grab your
own instruments adding
a bit of individualism to
your tracker tunes.
If you can, always
go for a Sound Tracker
which has sampling
facilities built into it.
This will enable you
to grab instruments,
edit them and use them
within your tunes
without ever having to
leave the comfort of
your Sound Tracker.
/J P9 Commercial software -
O I Although virtually all Sound
Tracker utilities are the same, there
are commercial trackers available
which are worth checking out. One
such program is OctaMED 2 (soon to
be upgraded to OctaMED
Professional), a fine commercial
tracker written by Teijo Kinnunen, the
author of the PD tracker clone MED.
OctaMED 2 costs just £20 and is far
superior to the PD trackers. It offers
score editing and the ability to play up
to 8 samples simultaneously. For
serious tracking. OctaMED 2 is a
must.
/J Q Construction - Song
U O construction is one aspect of
Sound Trackers which confuses many
people. Songs are built up within a
Sound Tracker by linking together the
patterns that you define. Somewhere
within your Tracker will be two
controls marked 'Song Position',
Pattern' and 'Song Length'.
Song Position is simply a counter
which dictates your position within
the Song. Pattern defines which
pattern number should be played for
the current song position value and
Song Length tells the Tracker how
many Song Positions there are in your
song.
r» Q Modular format - When
\J %J choosing a Tracker, always
check that the program can load and
save modules in standard
SoundTracker format.
SoundTracker modules are a
standardised file format for Tracker
songs which will enable you to load
and play your songs within other
Tracker packages and even
programming languages such as
AMOS without having to convert them
first. AMOS now includes direct
support for SoundTracker format
modules, so a Tracker that can save
m this format is far more useful.
7 f\ Preset " sts " Many older
• v/ Tracker utilities were tied to a
system of preset lists containing a list
of sampled instruments that the
program new about. Although these
could well be spread across several
disks, there was no way of loading a
sample that was not in this preset list
without exiting the program and
editing the preset list from within a
separate program.
Always check that the Tracker
that you choose is not tied
exclusively to a silly preset list.
Most modern Trackers allow
instruments to be loaded from any
device including hard disks (some
early trackers didn't support hard
disks!).
Modems open up a
whole world of fun:
exciting boards, free
software, new
friends and big telephone bills.
Communications is notoriously
expensive but with Amiga Shopper
by your side, you'll be able to save
money, and get more out of your
modem with our top tips.
n "1 Use Mercury - The easiest
f X way to save money during
comms work is to cut down the size
of the telephone bill. Apart from
buying a faster modem the simplest
way of doing this is to subscribe to
Mercury. For under a tenner you get
about 20 per cent off non local calls -
well worth a try.
^Q Keep a log - Use the log
• £i facility of your comms package
to keep a record of your visits to each
BBS. There are a couple of reasons
for wanting to do this. Firstly, it
enables you to go back over any
contnved on page 26
24
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
Computers Unlimited
25 MHz 80386SX PC/AT Emulator
for Amiga 2000/3000/3000T.
PC/AT Slot Support.
Max. 16MB
PC/AT RAM ^
Up to
4MB
for Amiga.
MS-DOS
IDE Hard Disk
Interface and
HD Floppy Disk
Controller* (2,88 MB).
i Gate fs
Golden Gate 6
Golden Gate is the 25 MHz
80386SX PC/AT emulator for
Amiga 20OO/3OOO/30O0T As a
bridge-slot-board it closes the
gap between the Amiga's PC/AT
(ISA) slots and the Zorro slots
ISA expansion boards like
EGA/VGA graphics cards. LAN
controllers, RAM expansions or
SCSI host adapters are
accessible under MS-DOS.
Golden Gates PC/AT RAM
expansion can be configured to
a max of 16 MB (SIMMs). Up to
4 MB of this RAM are available
under AmigaDOS. 512 KB RAM
are already installed.
Golden Gate uses RAM
expansions and Commodore
compatible hard disk
subsystems in the Zorro slot.
Golden Gate's IDE interface
supports AT bus hard disk
subsystems under MS-DOS.
A Golden Gate supports flicker
fixing cards and accelerators.
Authorized Dealer SILICA SYSTEMS
Mall Order Hotline 081-309 III!
London Shops 081-580 4000/071-629 1234
SldOJpShop 081-3028811
Golden Gate integrates the
internal and external 360 KB
and 720 KB Amiga floppy disk
drives.
•With the optional 82077A
floppy disk controller up to
three internal and external HD
floppy disk drives with 1 .2 MB:
1 .44 MB and 2.88 MB can be
used
w
With a standard Amiga monitor
and no further graphics card the
following video emulations are
available: CGA with 16 colours.
EGAWGA monochrome
graphics, Hercules. Olivetti and
ToshibaT3l00.
Windows 3 runs unrestrictedly
in the enhanced 386 mode and
the protected mode.
Golden Gate runs fully as a task
on the Amiga.
Cold.
iolden Gate is compatible with
Kickstart I 3 and 2.0.
A With the optional 80C387SX
arithmetic co-processor the
performance can be increased.
j^ The Amiga mouse is emulated
as a serial Microsoft mouse.
The Amiga keyboard works as
a PC keyboard.
± The serial interface can be used
as COMI/COM2; the parallel
interface as LPT I under MS-DOS
A Golden Gate offers sound. RTC
and CMOS RAM.
A An external option connector for
future expansions is integrated.
Yes. I would like to get more
information about the vortex
PC/AT emulators.
\ it
VORTEX COMPUTERSYSTEME GMBH
FALTERSTRASSE 51-53 • 0-7101 FLEIN
TIL 4971 31 /59720 • FAX 4971 31 /55063
□
80286
ATonce
80386SX
Golden Gate
With the Installation the guaranty might be voided All company or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks o/ their respective holders Golden Gate and AToncCare registered
trndwiwrifflcrfvorlMcComputereyslemeGmbH Distributed in the UK by SDL, 10 Ruxloy Comer Industrial Estate Edglngton Way. Stdcup. Kent. DAM 5SS. Tel Oft I -300 5000 Fax 081-300 W40
200 TOP TIPS
COMMUNICATIONS
Inspired by the comma tips and you
don't have a modem - well, lucky for
you, a Hyundai modem Is one of the
bargain buye on our mall order pages
trntintd frta ftft 24
problems you had and see what the
reasons were. If you had trouble
downloading a file for instance, you
can check to see if you spelt the
name wrong. Secondly, you can use
the log file to read messages you
didn't have time for, or to go back
over a conversation with the sysop
and write down that telephone
number.
Py O Know your software - Your
f O communications software has
been designed to provide you with
the facilities to get the most out of
your comms work - use it! Get to
hnow what facilities are there, and
how they work.
Things like the scrollback facility
in NComm are particularly useful. A
few minutes spent learning how your
package works will pay off the first
time you need to show the sysop a
piece of a message you just read or
you want to write down some
information offline.
^ Fa Know your BBS - Every
I TT minute you spend on-line is
another minutes worth of charges.
Become aquainted with the boards
you call regularly. Take a look
around, even at areas you aren't
interested in at the moment, and try
to remember where all the
interesting things are kept. Learn
how the file search facilities work; it
will make it easier when you need to
find that elusive file.
You can use your log files to go
back over the board offline,
especially if you are looking for
something in particular. Once you
know where it is you can go straight
to it when you get on-line, saving
time and. more
importantly, money.
Download the
file lists and keep them
for later, it is much easier
to find a file off-line when
BT aren't involved.
n £f Off-line readers -
I O If you are a
member of a conferencing
system such as CIX or
CompuServe, or you enjoy
reading the messages on
your local BBS then get
yourself an off-line reader.
Offline readers allow you
to read all the messages
you want in the comfort of
your own home, without
the shadow of the phone
bill hanging over you.
Although the
download size for an off-
ne reader can be pretty large, often
a couple of hundred kilobytes of
data, the savings are well worth it
and it will pay for itself within a few
days of using it.
If you don't read the messages
on your BBS. you're missing out on
an important aspect of comms, the
chance to make new friends, and
find out things you never knew you
didn't know. Give it a go - you don't
know what you're missing.
7 f% Scrlpt8 " lf vour
§ \J communications program
offers you a script facility, use it. A
good script can save a lot of time,
and also protects you against
accidents such as you forgetting your
password.
As you are using a board, think
about how scripts could be used to
automate processes other than
logging on. Downloading files is
one particular case in point, where
the same information is entered
every time the operation is
performed and a prime candidate for
a script.
^A^Stay friendly - Remember.
• f when you are calling a BBS
you are a visitor on another persons'
computer. That person has kindly
spent a lot of their spare time and
money to create somewhere for you
to call, they don't want you messing
about.
Follow these guidelines and you
won't upset anyone:
• Be polite. People don't call bulletin
boards to be insulted or offended.
more time on-line, and be allowed to
download more software.
• Follow the rules. Read and abide
by the rules of the BBS. It's not
difficult and it will save a lot of
hassle.
• Don't drop the carrier unless you
absolutely have to. The most
annoying thing for a sysop is a user
who can't be bothered to log off.
Hanging up in the middle of a
session can cause
problems, sometimes
even taking the board
offline.
• Don't hassle the
sysop. Don't keep paging
the sysop if you have a
problem - leave him a
message. Even the most
friendly sysop will get fed
up of being continually
paged, and a message
will save you money as
well.
The Connections Interdlal modem -
another favourite. No more muddles
with modems when you've followed
our top comms tips
Bear this in mind when you are
leaving messages.
• Upload files. To be successful a
board needs to keep a steady flow of
new files. Most sysops will try and do
this anyway but if every caller
uploads a couple of files a week, the
sysop's job is made easier and the
board becomes more successful.
You'll also be given higher security.
S vsten Irj flfl ffT Cqm Translate Screen Phone Dial
1st at* ASCII CaptureQ-T
Start ASCII Send OS
Message Upload OY
Download CJD
Upload QU
Server Corwtands
Options
Protocol
Default Directory!
Load Scrollback
Save Scrollback
View Scrollback
Search In Buffer
Save Marked Block
ISend Marked Block
Disable Addin
>/ Xnoden CRC
1/ Chop Files
GAR protocol
GAR host node
2 ho den Resune
>/ Znoden AutoDl
Znoden AutoUi
V 2»oden ACK
Remit Host
Kernit IK
E-XPR Setup
E-XPR Query
y/ Create Icons
78
t4M;8fi
•l::* M:ll
NComm is one of the most popular comms packages. But remember a
package Is sometimes only as good as its user
Always hang up -
Always hang up
when you leave a board.
It doesn't happen often
but sometimes a bug in
the bulletin board
software will cause it to
not drop you off the line
when you exit. You will
then end up there sitting on the line
clocking up a huge bill.
The most well known example of
this is a bug In CIX which after
logging you off and telling you to
hang up. sometimes places you back
at the login prompt. On a multi-
tasking machine such as the Amiga
it is all too easy to swap to the
Workbench screen and begin playing
with the software you've
downloaded, leaving the comms
package sat at the CIX prompt.
7Q Don * ,eave '* alone ~ Comms
f %J packages are wonderful.
scripts are wonderful, off-line readers
are even more wonderful.
Unfortunately they are far from
perfect. No matter how good you
think your script is. you should never
leave it running when you aren't
around.
It is easy for a stray bit of line
noise to upset the script completely.
When this happens, one of two
things will go wrong.
The most likely scenario is that
the script will just stop and stand
there clocking up on-line charges
until the BBS times out and throws
you off. Worse though is the script
that wanders off on its own through
menus it was never supposed to
see. trying to download files and
leave messages to people who don't
exist.
A A AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
COMMUNICATIONS/USING THE SHELL
200 TOP TIPS
Q /\ Support your sysop - Bulletin
0\J boards are usually run on a
voluntary bacis.
The system operator gives up his
free time, and very often a
substantial amount of money, to
provide you with a service. Apart from
respecting his wishes, uploading files
and generally being a nice person,
there are plenty of ways you can
encourage your sysop.
When you first visit a ooara. let
the sysop know what you thought. Be
constructive though, simply saying
that you didn't like it is no use. The
opposite is true as well, just saying
that you liked the board isn't much
help. Try and offer at least some
suggestions as to why you liked it,
and any areas that could be improved
on.
Report any problems you may
have to the sysop. Particularly things
that could be considered "bugs". For
instance, if a particular menu option
doesn't work, let him know so that he
can fix it.
Finally, if the board has a
membership scheme, and it's not too
expensive, join it. Not many boards
do have a scheme but supporting
those that do is well worth the little
cost. Not only do you get increased
access but it encourages the sysop
to do more with the board, something
that benefits everyone.
another disk, and AmigaDOS will look
there instead for the required
directory.
Getting a list of the files held in
the Joyce directory, held in the Irish
directory, all on the disk ModernLit.
would be done as follows:
Dir ModernLit : Irish/ Joyce
It is possible to specify which files
you want to list by the means of a
wildcard.
Represented by the '#?'
characters, a wildcard means 'any
characters'. The Dir #? command
will behave exactly as normal, but
the Dir #?.iff will only list those files
whose names end with '.iff.
Q 1a CD - This command changes
O^the current directory (the one
which will be listed with a simple Dir
command, and which is named as
part of the AmigaDOS prompt).
Followed simply by a '/'
character, it will move one level up in
the directory hierarchy. Followed by a
':*, it will move to the root directory
copy graba:#?.iff article:
87
ome operations on the
Amiga are made so much
oaaicr by using the Shell.
Some operations Just can't
be done Any other way. Using the
Workbench Is all very well, but it's
only once you click on that Shell
icon that you can really get your
hands dirty and find out exactly
what Is going on.
Here we provide a brief
introduction; If you need more
information don't forget our regular
Cracking The Shell column by
Mark Smlddy. which covers Just
about every conceivable use of
AmigaDOS.
Q "I Flloa - A file is a collection of
O X information stored on a disk.
It could be a program, or simply a
group of data for use by other
programs.
Each file has associated status
information stored with it, which
records such things as when the file
was last altered and whether or not it
is a program file. All of tho Shell
commands are held on disk as
program files.
QO Directories - These are the
OsW Shell equivalent of Workbench
drawers. They are arranged in a
hierarchical, tree-like fashion, and
may contain further directories and
files. Take a look at the above
diagram for an illustration of this
idea - often it's easier to think
pictorially.
At the top of the hierarchy is a
directory termed the root'. It is
denoted by the ':' symbol. The root
directory of another disk is specified
by the disk name followed by a
root (ModernLit:)
English
1
American
1
1
Irish
(ModernLiUrish)
I
1
French
Yeats Joyce
(ModernLit :lrish/Joyce
i
Ulysses
< ModernLit Insh/Joyce'Ulysses
Directories are organised in a hierarchical structure often called a 'tree'. In
fact, the shape is more like an upside down tree, with the root at the top. The
AmigaDOS path to the directories Is shown In brackets
colon. A directory further down the
hierarchy is specified by supplying its
name after the colon. If the directory
Is not immediately below' the root,
then any intervening directories must
also be named, each of them being
separated by a '/' character.
QQOIr- Dir is an AmigaDOS
OO command that produces a
listing of all the files held in a
directory. Normally, the listing is
given for the current directory - the
one named in the Shell's prompt.
Any directories held within the
current one are marked '(dir)*.
It is possible to get a listing of
files in a different directory by using
that directory's name (and those of
any others between it and the current
one, all separated by the '/'
character) as part of the command. If
the directory is above the current one
in the hierarchy, then the '/'
character must be used before the
directory name to instruct AmigaDOS
to look one level up. Alternatively,
the ':' character tells AmigaDOS to
look from the root directory on the
disk. Precede this with the name of
of the current disk.
A directory name can also be
specified with CD. but if it is anything
other than directly below the current
directory in the hierarchy, then a path
to it must be specified.
85
Makedir - This creates a new
directory inside the current
one.
The name of the new directory is
specified as part of the Makedir
command, but must be separated
from it by a space. The newly
created directory will initially be
empty.
Q d Co Py " Tne cop y command.
O O funnily enough, copies files.
Following the command comes the
source file, then, after a space, the
destination where the copy should be
placed.
Both source and destination can
be specified with full AmigaDOS
paths. If the name of the destination
file is omitted, then the source file
name is used. In this case, wildcards
can be used to copy several files
with only a single command:
RAM: - This is the RAM disk,
behaving like an ordinary
disk although much more quickly
and with the information held in
memory.
If you are using a single drive
machine, it is useful to copy often
used commands into RAM: so that
you won't have to insert the
Workbench disk whenever you use
*one of these commands, thus
saving time and irritating disk
swapping.
The RAM: disk can also be used
as an intermediary store when
copying groups of files from one
disk to another on a single drive
system.
ft ft Ust ~ This is an advanced
O O form of the Dir command. As
well as listing the files in a directory.
it will display the status information
and size of each file.
The command has many other
possibilities. Its output can be sent
to another file by use of the
command To following it. followed
itself by the name of a destination
file.
The options available are far too
complex to go into here in such a
short space - refer to Cracking The
Shell each month for more details
and handy tips.
QA Startup-sequence - This is a
O %J text file containing a number
of AmigaDOS commands.
The startup-sequence is a type of
file which is known as a script. It
behaves in a similar manner to a
program when run.
Each of the commands in the file
are executed in turn, as if a user
were typing them one by one at the
keyboard. Think of it as a way of
creating your own AmigaDOS
commands by joining together
existing ones.
The startup-sequence is a
specialised script which is executed
every time the Amiga is switched on
or reset. It performs various set-up
functions, such as telling the Amiga
which nationality of keyboard to use,
and where to look for certain, often
used files.
It is possible to modify the
startup-sequence, although it's
advisable to make a back-up first,
using the Copy command (only ever
do this with a copy of your
Workbench disk, as tampering may
stop your Amiga from booting up
altogether).
QAEd-Edis the AmigaDOS text
%J "editor. It is like a very simple
word-processor, and is mainly used
for creating and altering script files
such as the startup-sequence. Just
type Ed at the prompt to use it.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 •AUGUST 1°*2 *J
200 TOP TIPS
CHOOSING AN ACCELERATOR
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fji^ij I ^/iijjj I J^j £yj* fj/j
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A5W "IfR
A2HHR
A25W-2I
MM -25
CPU Clock;
FPUClwk:
il-iw. I ^i;-
Inst Cacte: » IBurst Node: ON
Data Cache: vN DBurst HodelvfF MdJiMti
MMU Status: OH MCwM: —
^iii.
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The program above is used to rate the speed of your accelerator compared to
standard Amiga set ups, just so you can bo sure your machine really is fast
rvt to a hard disk, your
accelerator could be the
most expensive add-on
that you buy for your
Amiga, and in some cases they can
be more expensive than your Amiga
Itself. Consequently, with the huge
jungle of different ones you can get,
It Is vital that you get the right one
for you.
The accelerator market can be
very confusing, not only because of
the range of models, but also due to
the range of prices. The cheapest
ones start at under £15 for a 68010
chip, and If you have the money it Is
quit© possible to spend over
£1.500. With this in mind. I shall
attempt to untangle this and make
that decision a little less of a
headache.
A 1 Do you really need one? -
%J A Accelerator cards are for
running high powered applications,
such as DTP or ray tracing, much
raster, ir you ]U5t use your machine
for occasional word processing,
games and perhaps some AMOS
programming, it is unlikely that you
need a fast accelerator card - your
money would probably be better
spent on a large hard disk or other
hardware add-ons.
Q rt Consider your needs - You
%J £d can save a lot of money at
this stage. If you do a lot of ray
tracing and other processor intensive
graphics work then you definitely
need a good FPU {Floating Point
Unit), either a 68882 or a 68881. If
you are on a tight budget and are
buying your accelerator to generally
speed up your Workbench and
programming environment, you
probably don't need to worry about
such gadgets as Memory
Management Units, or possibly
floating point co-processors, and it
might be better to consider getting a
faster, or better processor instead.
O *i Hard diftk contro " ers " Quite
5/ O a few of the A1500/2000
accelerator cards come with built-in
fast SCSI hard disk controllers.
These are well worth considering if
you do not already own a hard disk
card - they will be considerably
faster than ordinary plug in cards as
they are specially optimised to work
with the faster processor and faster
32-bit RAM.
Q Fa 32-blt RAM - From the
5/^X68020 upwards, the
processor is 32-bit. This means that
it can access a whole 32-bits (4
bytes) of data in one go. All current
Amigas except for the A3000 series
have 16-bit RAM, which means that
whatever the processor is. 68020
'030 and 040 included, they can
only ever get 16 bits. 2 bytes in one
go - half their potential performance.
By spending a little more money on
your accelerator card, you can get it
with some 32-bit Fast RAM on board.
If your programs are running in this
32-bit fast RAM they will run at the
full potential of your processor. You
really want 2Mb or more 32-bit RAM.
preferably 4Mb. If you are not able to
afford fast 32-bit RAM on the card,
think about getting a card that has
the facility for you to add some at a
later date.
Qf- MMUs and the
%7 O 68030EC -
Programmers and
developers buying
accelerator cards need
to watch out for the
68030EC and 68040EC
chips. The EC stands for
'Economy*: to save cost
on the chip Motorola
removed the MMU
(Memory management
unit.) The MMU is vital
for Virtual Memory
operating systems, such
as Unix, in which part of
your hard disk will act as an
extension to your available RAM. The
Amiga operating system does not
currently support Virtual Memory, but
if you intend to buy or use Amiga
Unix, then you must avoid the EC
chips. Likewise developers may find
the MMU useful, as it is able to trap
and report illegal memory accesses.
Amiga developer programs, such as
Enforcer, are invaluable for large
Amiga applications development,
because, if your program does
something naughty, it reports it down
the serial port so you can see what
happened and where the fault was.
Q /■* MHz-age and MIPS MFLOPS
%J \J - There are two basic
performance figures that will show
you how fast an accelerator card is.
These are MIPS and MFLOPS. MIPS
stands for Millions of Instructions
Per Second. For a normal 68000
chip this is less than 1. A 25Mhz
68040 could manage over 20 MIPS.
which would make it as fast as 20
A600s. MFLOPS stands for Millions
of Floating Point instructions Per
Second.
There are a number of things
that affect both these figures. One is
the MHz (MegaHertz). or clock
speed, of the processor, the other is
the availability and speed of 32-bit
RAM. As a reference, a standard
stock A600 runs at 7.14Mhz, and a
stock A3000 at 25Mhz.
To get the best from 68040
cards you really need fast 32-bit RAM
(wth 60 or 40ns access time). You
would be well advised to steer clear
of slow 68020 cards, as for very
little extra money you can get the
68030 chip which is far superior.
Q m 68000/68010 options -
%J I These are the cheapest of the
accelerator card options. In the case
of the 68010 upgrade, it simply
involves buying a £15 68010. 8 or
lOMhz version, from an electronic
components supplier, removing your
existing 68000 chip and replacing it
with the 68010. It is a plug in and go
option. You will notice a small
increase of speed, of up to 20%.
There are also several 68000
upgrades, whereby a small card fits
The G-Force 040 Accelerator speeds
up your machine, just as these
accelerator tips accelerate your
learning curve...
in your existing 68000 socket and
doubles the clock speed of the chip
to around 14Mhz. These cards cost
around £200. and their value is
doubtful. If you are going to spend
this amount of money it may be
better to wait for a cheaper 68020 or
030 card.
Q Q The 68020 - The 68020 was
U O the first of Motorola's full 32-
bit microprocessors. It is capable of
reading a full 32-bits of data at a
time if it has access to 32-bit RAM.
The chips have an on-board cache,
which enables the processor to work
much faster on loops and other tight
code by storing information in its own
internal ultra-fast RAM.
The 68020 is available in clock
speeds from 16 to 33Mhz. (Although
the 33Mhz version of the chip is
brand new.) The 68020 does not
ship with a MMU as standard: the
Commodore card has a seperate
MMU chip on the card, but if you
want a 68020 with an MMU from
another manufacturer, you will have
to check.
99
The 68030 - The 68030 has
the MMU built into the
processor, although the EC version
of the chip has omitted this. It is
faster than the '020 chip, having had
its instruction speeds sped up.
A 68030 clocked at 25Mhz will
run about one and a half times as
fast as a 68020 at the same speed.
Cache sizes on the 68030 are also
larger than the 020. 68030 chips
are available at speeds from 16 to
33Mhz. although 40 and 50Mhz
versions of these chips are planned.
A 25Mhz 68030 chip will manage
around 8-12 MIPS and about 2-2.5
MaOPS.
1 /\ /\ The 68040 - Currently
X \J \J this is the flagship of
Motorola's processing chips.
Technically it is nearly a RISC chip,
as it is able to execute, on average,
one instruction every 1.3 cycles. This
means that a 25Mhz 68040 chip can
Oft AMIGA SHOPPER • I55UE 10 • AUGU5T 1992
PROGRAMMING IN C
200 TOP TIPS
run at about 21MIPS. This is twice as
fast as a 25Mhz 68030.
Another advantage of the 68040
is that the FPU is built in. This makes
it even faster, as the FPU has been
optimised to run at high speeds on
the same piece of silicon as the 040
Chip.
Unfortunately some of the more
complex Floating point operations
could not be fitted on. and have to be
emulated in software. This is of little
consequence, however, as the
68040 chip is so blindingly fast.
Motorola also produce an EC version
of this chip, without the twin MMUs.
68040 chips are current available at
clock speeds from 25Mhz to 33Mhz.
giving a maximum MIPS of around
29.
Faster 40 and 50Mhz versions
are planned.
}m- i V-Vtt*i* t ; y<YStai-t+YL*n*tl%; V** >
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(I*xt rolrv noO . rr*i5 IT
The above Mandelbrot generator Is being edited In the LSE screen editor
supplied with the excellent SAS/Lattice C development program
may be a brilliant language
but unlike languages like
Pascal and Modula 2, It
does little to guide or
force the programmer into adopting
good coding habits. All Is not lost
however because the following tips
should put some of those 'potential
coding nasties' well and truly out of
harm's way...
m Parameter passing - One
of C's greatest strengths
is its parameter passing facilities.
Design code units that make the
most of this facility.
When a lot of data is involved
however parameter passing can add
a significant overhead so the best
idea then is to create structures
which represent the parameters and
then pass a single pointer to the
parameter block.
■| /*\0 Brevity - Avoid highly
J. Um compressed code styles
like the plague.
Despite the fact that C would
allow this code fragment:
if (key«ESCAPE)
<
ClosePilesO;
DisplayMessage (CLOSING) ;
WaitToQuit ( ) ;
)
to be written along these lines...
if(k==E){CF();DM(C);WTQ();}
you'll gain absolutely nothing by
doing so in the long run. The code
will not run more quickly and trying to
understand programs years after
you've written them in this type of
condensed form would be a
nightmare.
1 f\ Q Re-useable code - Write
X \/0 functions that are
generally useful. Re-used code
rapidly becomes bug-free code and of
course using pieces of existing code
in this way reduces the effort
required to write your programs.
"1 /\ fi Public domain compilers -
X \J ^ Without detracting from
some of the excellent work that
people put into public domain
software you should be aware that in
using a public domain compiler you
may not be able to place so much
dependence on the compiler itself.
Rightly or wrongly professional
programmers tend, in the main, to
assume that a program which
compiles without error is syntactically
correct. To suggest that they use a
compiler where this might not be the
case would be extremely
disconcerting to them. Public domain
software, especially something as
large and as complex as a compiler,
is unlikely to ever achieve the
reliability and stability of a
commercial product. If you are using
a public domain compiler it is
probably wisest to take extra care in
this area so that you assume as little
as possible about the errors the
compiler can catch.
*f /\ f* Re-useable modules -
X \J%J Modularize and compile
units that are generally useful. In the
same way that individual functions
are more useful when written in a
general way so also are precompiled
modules that have a well defined
interface and this of course takes us
into the world of the ADT (abstract
data type).
The philosophy underlying the
ADT Is basically simple: by defining
the important, le useful, properties of
an abstract data structure, and
defining which operations will be
allowed, we can build an ADT
description. When translated to real
code this blueprint' becomes a data
structure* building block which can
be used to solve problems.
By way of an example let's take
a fairly simple ADT type, the queue. A
queue is a set of objects logically
arranged in First-ln-First-Out (FIFO)
order. The type of operations which
can be usefully associated with
queue structures are well known...
we need some means of initializing,
adding items to, and retrieving items
how intermediate macros calls have
been used to enable me to work with
any size of queue object using just
CreateQueue(t), AddToQueue(s.x).
RemoveFromQueuets.x). KillQueue(s)
and QueueEmpty<s) function calls...
1 A/? -Library functions -
X v/\J Maximise the use of
standard library functions. The effort
which has gone into the Amiga
system routines, Lattice/SAS and
Manx compiler C function libraries
(and many other third-party libraries)
is considerable. With the new ANSI
standard now firmly established all C
compilers support the ANSI specified
core routines and. when you have a
choice of functions to use. the best
idea is to opt for these ANSI forms
because it means your code will be
that much more portable.
1 ft 7 Keep ** s' m Pte - Code in
X \J 4 the most obvious way
possible to start with: In the early
stages of program development
there is little to be gained by worrying
about rurvtime efficiency and so
forth. Your main aim should be to
write code which is a clean, and
easily understood, representation of
the design or algorithm that you are
trying to implement. Go for obviously
recognisable variable and procedure
names and develop your program in
LISTING 1 • LISTING 1 • LISTING 1
/• Queue ACT header *
typedef void CKJEUE;
* These macros are used to create a slightly more friendly
interface to the user. They just remove the need for explicit
sizeofO. casting and address talcing operations in the
applications code *
tdefine CreateQueueit) CreateQ(sizeof (t) )
•define AddToQueue ( s . x ) AddToQts, (UBYTE M&(x>)
■define RemoveFromQueuets.x) RemoveFrocnQ(s, (UBYTE *)&(x))
ne KillQueue(s) KillQ(s)
#define Queue£*npty(s) QBipty(s)
* These are the prototypes for the underlying- queue access
routines which do the real work */
QUEUE *CreateQ(UL0N3 unit_size) ;
void KillQtQUEUE •descriptor^) ;
BOOL AddToQ (QUEUE "descriptor^, UBYTE *data_iten\) ;
BOOL RemoveFromQ (QUEUE *descriptor_p, UBYTE *data_item) ;
BOOL QBrpty (QUEUE *descriptor_p) ;
An ADT queue header that provides simple user-Interface functions
from, the queue in the proper FIFO
order.
There's not the space to go into
internal coding details but that's not
particularly important anyway. What
is important is that you should aim to
create a programmer-friendly
interface so that the module can be
used without the programmer
knowing how it is implemented. The
header file given in Listing 1 shows
a way which allows each new routine
to be tested as it is written (the so
called 'incremental testing'
approach). Once you've got the
program running then by all means
make any improvements, or use any
additional coding tricks, that you feel
are necessary.
108
functions -
Development of routines
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
20
200 TOP TIPS
PROGRAMMING IN C/NAND SCANNING
using Ihe 'nested function' approach
is good in theory but in practice,
when many nesting levels are used,
the parameter passing overhead that
can build up can be significant factor
as far as execution speed is
concerned. To get speed increases
just eliminate the unessential
internal calls whilst leaving the
function's mam parameter interface
intact.
1 |~|Q Assembler patches -
X \J %J Remember that if you use
assembler patches you can. with
ANSI C get the compiler to check
your usage of the patch by creating a
suitable prototype. If, for example,
you've got a piece of assembler code
which represents a GetNextTextLine()
function that expects to be given a
pointer to a line of text and returns a
pointer of the same type you can
force the compiler to check your use
of the assembler function using a
prototype like this:
TEXT *GetNextTextLine(TEXT J
•cextlinej));
no
Pointers - The use. or
rather misuse, of pointers
can cau5e programmers serious
problems and because of this it's
wise to adopt a convention of naming
pointer variables using a _p suffix.
This obviously doesn't stop potential
misuse, but it is a useful reminder
that a pointer variable is being dealt
with. It therefore goes some way
towards helping reduce the likelihood
of inadvertant misuse. A fatal, and
common, pointer slip involves non-
initialization. The programmer
declares and uses a pointer variable,
but forgets to set it to a suitable
initial value (or perhaps sets it to an
incorrect value).
With the Amiga many system
structure pointers are used. When,
for example, an Intuition Screen is
opened the OpenScreenO system call
returns a pointer to an Intuition
Screen structure. This type of system
call code:
global_screen_p« (struct J
Screen J
* ) Open. Screen ( tNewScreen ) ;
in most cases would function
correctly, ie the OpenScreenO call
would set the global_screen_p
pointer variable to the appropriate
Screen structure address.
The trouble is that, although the
code itself is correct, it's not
possible to guarantee that this line
of code will always work.
Why? It is because the Amiga's
system routine OpenScreenO may
itself fail - if your Amiga is already
using most of its RAM then
OpenScreenO will not be able to
allocate memory for a new Intuition
Screen.
The system tells you this by
returning a NULL (zero) pointer rather
than a valid Screen structure
address. The result? If you did not
check for a 'non-NULL pointer' value
your program would crash the
moment you made use of the
global_screen_p variable. It is
because of the possibility of system
call failures that all Amiga system
calls should be tested to see that
they have been successful.
sing a hand scanner to
transfer Images to your
Amiga con sometimes
seem like a trial and error
process. But follow these handy
hints below and you'll find that
you're getting superb scanning
results every time.
scan better than a black-and-white
photograph of the same thing.
112
in
Picture quality - Choose a
suitable picture to scan.
The quality of the scan will always
depend on the quality of the original
image.
It's not true that black-and-white
photographs produce better results
than colour ones: what's important is
the amount of contrast. A good
quality, bright and colourful
photograph taken in strong light will
The right surface - Always
scan on a flat surface. If
the surface on which the image is
printed is uneven, slippery, or too
small for the scanning head to roll
over it smoothly, place a sheet of
clear plastic or acetate over the
image before scanning. If you
haven't got a clear sheet of plastic
then buy one of those clear A4 paper
sleeves that stationers sell, and slip
the image inside it.
113
Lighting - Avoid scanning
near a strong light source.
Because the scanner works by
shining its own light on the image
and measuring the brightness of the
light that is reflected, you must make
sure that there are no bright lights
shining on the image or the top of
the scanning head. Changes in the
ambient lighting level can also affect
the scanner's performance.
If you are scanning from a book
with thin pages, there is a chance
that light emitted by the scanning
head will be absorbed by dark
images on the reverse side of the
page. When this happens, turn the
brightness wheel up and scan again.
adjust the brightness control with
software that scans in real-time is to
move the scanning head on to the
darkest part of the image and roll the
head backwards and forwards over
this area while gradually decreasing
the bnghtness until the dark area
just appears black.
Touch-Up users will have to wait
between scans for the software to
process the image, but the principle
is the same.
114
Resolution - Scan at the
maximum resolution
possible. This will usually be 400
dots per inch (dpi), which will
produce a large bitmap that can be
scaled down to get the best possible
resolution from your particular
printer.
Amiga bitmaps (IFF ILBMs) have
a resolution of 75 dpi, no matter how
3
116
Moving the head - Move
the scanner head at a
constant speed. Always remember
that a single, slow and smooth pass
of the head over the image is better
than a series of small jerky ones.
As the head passes over the
image it is taking in an awful lot of
information and passing it on to the
computer. If you drag it too quickly it
won't be able too keep up with you
and the resulting scan will either be
Oth>r
If the image is too wide to scan upright
software to rotate it by 90 degrees
large or small the picture is.
Scaling not only changes the
printed size of the picture, it changes
the output resolution. Note that we
are talking about output scaling here,
not scaling or resizing a brush in an
art package.
Halving the output size of the
picture increases the resolution by a
factor of two, to 150 dpi - the image
still contains the same number of
dots, but they are being printed half
the size. Reduce the picture to 25
per cent of its original size and the
resolution soars to 300 dpi. This is
handy if you have a 300 dpi printer,
such as a laser or inkjet. but not if
you have a 24-pin dot-matrix or
bubble jet printer, which have output
resolutions of 360 dpi. To cut a long
story short. 360 dpi printers get the
best results when images are scaled
down to 20.8 per cent.
1 -1 £? Brightness - For your first
1 ID practice scan, set the
brightness wheel to the lightest
setting possible. The best way to
scan it sideways and then use the
corrupted, have bits missing, or
appear 'squashed' on-screen.
117
Pressure - Don't apply too
much downwards pressure
on the head. The height at which the
scan head rolls over the paper has
an effect on the image brightness.
Pushing the head down on to the
paper excludes ambient light from
getting in underneath the scanning
head, adding to the illumination of
the picture, and consequently the
amount of light reflected from It.
Result? It makes it darker.
So if you press downwards too
hard you will muck up the brightness
setting that you carefully adjusted.
11 ft Dra 6g |n 8 - Drag the head
A O in a straight line. Use a
straight edge to drag the edge of the
scanning head against, like the spine
of a thick and heavy book - a
telephone directory is ideal. The
book needs to be heavy so that it
doesn't slip if you accidentally push
the scanner against it too heavily.
30
AMIOA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1QOQ
HAND SCANNING/DESKTOP VIDEO
200 TOP TIPS
Leaning on the book with your elbow
gives it extra stability.
11 Q Keeping it straight - If you
J. *J find that the head is still
not scanning in o straight line then it
probably means you are pressing
down too hard. There are two
solutions, either ease up on the
pressure you are applying or get
another heavy booh and place Its
spine on the other side of the head,
parallel to the first book. This makes
a gully along which you can pull the
scanner without any chance that the
head will wander.
120
Problems of width - If a
picture is too wide to scan
but not very high, scan it sideways
and then rotate the IFF by 90
degrees. This is illustrated in the
screen grab on page 30. Only the
Datel Handiscan software is not
capable of rotating scans in this way.
If the picture is too high to use
this trick, then try scanning the image
in two parallel strips and then joining
them together.
Scanning two parallel strips is
quite difficult but not impossible. Use
the spine of a heavy book or even a
ruler to guide the scanning head. Try
to apply the same amount of
downward pressure on the head for
both scans and ensure that the
ambient lighting level remains the
same.
esktop Video can have a
variety of meanings,
including using your
computer to produce and
display graphics and animations,
digitising, video titling, multimedia
presentation and video production,
either on or off the desktop. For me,
there are three main ingredients
which contribute to DTV success.
These are hardware, software and
application, which, when mixed
together in the right proportions,
make for good productions.
m Quality - Whatever your
DTV production, quality
should always come first. This
doesn't mean buying broadcast
equipment - it means using what you
have to the best of its ability. But if
you are recording to VCR it does
mean using the highest quality video
tape you can afford, since skimping
here will invariably let down even top
quality computer output.
\ f)f) Planning - Think about
\.£i £i your projects. Prepare
alternative strategies. Brainstorm.
Doodle. Fool around with your paint
program or titling software. Work up
a storyboard. Determine what you
can do with the equipment available
and that what you require can
actually be achieved. You may need
to decide how to put an animation
together from various component
parts - some pictures here, some 3D
work there, and some words from
somewhere else. You will often have
to find a work-around to achieve what
you want and familiarity with
production techniques and
equipment will pay dividends here.
1 C\ Q Experiment - Don't be
JL £i O afraid to experiment. If you
have a few spare minutes and you're
tempted to get blasting with your
favourite shoot 'em up. try out a few
ideas with Deluxe Paint instead. It
can be just as much fun working up
an idea successfully, knowing that at
the same time you are adding to your
repertoire and knowledge. The more
strings you have to your bow the
more ideas and techniques you can
contribute to a production.
1 O Fi Software ■ Learn tne fu "
ImT capabilities of your
software. And be prepared to buy
what you need to do the job. If you
need high quality titling there's no
point in using a lores PD program. If
you want animation you'll need a
program which does what you want.
We all have our favourites - I
personally like Deluxe Paint, Scala
and Broadcast Titler 2 for good
quality video work, but if your needs
are lesser there is plenty good
software now available.
m Colours - If you plan to
work on video, colours can
be crucial. The lower the standard of
video format you are working on. the
worse the colours may be affected.
Watch out for deeply saturated
colours, especially deep blues and
reds, as they tend to look very
smeary, particularly when transferred
to VHS. Try to record your graphics
direct to the master video tape to
avoid the extra "generations" caused
by editing. Don't forget that there is
a marked difference in quality
between crisp RGB and any
composite video signal.
1 9 fi Good s rabbln s ■ lf vou
J- mi vl plan to grab images from a
video camera it's best to mount it on
a tripod or copy stand to avoid
camera shake. Have plenty of diffuse
lighting to illuminate your subject
evenly - fluorescents are good for
this. Avoid hot spots, as these will
tend to "burn-out" the digitised
image. If you have a black and white
camera you will need to use the
colour filters provided with your
digitiser to capture colour images. If
you are using a colour camera or
VCR you'll need an electronic colour
splitter to separate the video signal
into the red. green and blue
components required by the digitiser.
The VCR must also have a rock-solid
freeze frame or you'll find that the
grab is all shook up and looks rather
nasty. Digitise in the highest
resolution you can, as you can
always convert images down the
scale, but they won't look good if you
need to convert then up.
1 n^y Presentation - In the early
A £d I days of the Amiga. DTV
was confined to simple slide shows
of IFF images. Now it's possible to
put sound and vision together and
play some very complex sequences
back, thanks to programs like Scala,
them on self-running disks for
distribution.
1 O Q The big picture - When
A m O working for video
applications it's very important to
use an overscan screen format for
your graphics. Most good software
has overscan support these days,
though there seems to be no
agreement as to what the overall
dimensions should be.
Why overscan? Well, if you
output a standard Amiga screen to
video you'll notice that it doesn't fill
the full TV screen. Overscan screens
are significantly larger than this
standard size, and therefore cover
the entire monitor area. A typical
example would be an overscan size
of 704 x 566, while the normal
screen size would be 640 x 512.
1 QQ Fine words - If you are
M-£i%J doing video titling you'll
need some typefaces. Many
programs come with a reasonable
selection to get you started, and you
can use the ones that came with
your Amiga, but inevitably you will
need more.
There are many sources of
commercial fonts, and a lot of PD
ones. Choose large typefaces
wherever possible, as they can be
shrunk down for more flexibility and
they will look better in hi-res modes.
Better still, go for Color fonts or anti-
e
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
l
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
v
The dark area represen
a standard Amiga screen,
The dashed line is the
edge of a TV screen.
The light area is an over-
scan image. It reaches
past the TV boundary.
Screen size is a very important thing to bear in mind when
getting into desktop video - see tip 128
AmigaVision and Tne Director,
amongst others. Whole productions
can be generated from your Amiga,
with the control being handed over to
software, and with their built-in
transitions such programs can save
the cost of putting everything
together in a video studio, for all you
need now is enough memory and
storage space to hold all the
components of your presentation.
Then you can lay them straight to
video-tape or you could even provide
aliased fonts. These will impart
added slickness to your titles. Or, if
you don't need too many letters on
screen, design your own titles
screens with your favourite paint
software.
1 Q A Watch TV - Television is a
X O vl free source of DTV
knowledge in your own home. Watch
business, news and sports
programmes, current affairs, wildlife
and Saturday mommg kids shows. In
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1993
31
200 TOP TIPS
DESKTOP VIDEO/MUSK COMPOSITION
fact, watch everything you'd normally
watch, but be more aware of how the
professional directors on TV do
things. You'll be able to pick up quite
a few ideas this way and adapt these
to your own taste.
TV doesn't have all the answers
but it can teach you plenty about
presentation techniques. Watch the
way they use colour and layout, what
kinds of text work well, and what
kinds of backgrounds are used.
Notice how information is usually
presented cleanly and simply, and is
easy to quickly digest. Borrow from
TV, use ideas you like. You may not
get the quality the BBC gets, but
you'll be on the right track.
omposition
he great thing about using
your Amiga to create music
is that the whole job
becomes significantly
easier and almost everyone can
achieve good results from the
moment they start. Here are some
goodies to help all you budding
rock-stars out there to get the most
from your musical endeavours.
m Section It off - Create
song sections that are
meaningful rather than incorporate
everything into a large single
sequence.
Plan your songs using
beginnings, ends, verses, choruses,
132
Some of SuperJAWs internal sound editing facilities
and so on and label sequences so
that their purpose is obvious. If, for
instance, you have a song that has a
number of different verse sequence
variations then call them versel.
verse2 and verse3 and so on.
Most sequencers allow songs to
be created in this way and being able
to build the final song by linking the
various sections together makes it
very easy to alter arrangements.
Re useable libraries -
Build libraries of your
favourite riffs, drum parts or even
control sequences, in a form which
allows re-use with the minimum of
effort. In fact whenever something is
created which you think is likely to be
of use in the future... isolate the
track/tracks of interest and save
them separately from the main
composition. You can even store
single bars of completed songs of
various styles containing bass,
drums, keyboard data and anything
else other than the main melody line.
If you collect fragments based on
common chord types (major, minor,
7ths, diminished and so on) then
you'll be able
to piece
together
backing tracks
very easily
indeed; read
n the
appropriate
style library's
chord bar,
protect the
drum part from
transposition,
and then
transpose that
bar to give the
required chord.
Clone as many
of those bars
as needed.
then read in
the next library fragment and repeat
the process ad infinitum. Lazy?
Never, after all... you still have to do
the transposition and copying
operations yourself!
133
MIDI channels -
Standardise the use of
your MIDI channels so that you get
used to seeing particular instruments
on particular channels (eg channel 1
for drums. 2 for bass. 3-6 for other
synth modules and so on). This type
of consistency has a number of
benefits: firstly, it makes it easy to
recognize sequence data, and this
leads to fewer silly mistakes when
editing. Secondly, it eliminates the
need to physically alter the
receive/transmit channels of the
equipment itself when working with
your own, previously arranged,
material - this again makes life
easier.
134
Voice doubling -
Sequencer users can do
and used as the basis of your own
compositions (again using either midi
or internal IFF sounds).
1 Q7 Tricky ideas - When you
lO f are stuck for ideas or your
songs are beginning to sound
monotonous use a few standard
tricks to add some variation.
Having created a reasonable
melody or chord progression in one
part of the song try things like
reversing the theme, mirror imaging
the first part of it, or adding a third
harmony to the melody line -
these types of alterations will all
f »<Mh f Keyboard Sons Styles Chords Accessories SHPTE Prefs
□
^
J
■*«**■►
nnrn
uuu
R
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) CHORUS
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VERSE
8
1
CHORUS
45
KRSE
53
CHORUS
69
CHORUS
E'C
85
Manage your music making with ease - tips 131 to 140 give a sequence of
notes guaranteed to tighten up your tunes
an awful lot to thicken up poor
sounding synthesizer voices.
Doubling, where you take a track and
duplicate it, and then change the
voices so that two different voices
play essentially the same notes
(perhaps after slightly time-shifting
one of the tracks) can improve things
no end. IFF sound users can,
memory permitting, do the same
thing.
1 Of? Choosing your key - If you
X O O are struggling with
physically playing the keyboard then
stick to keys, such as C and A minor,
that are easy to play in.
You can always transpose the
final song to the required key when it
is finished. Don't be embarrassed
about this approach - a great many
professional musicians who are not
primarily keyboard players, but
because of their need for MIDI
facilities have to be able to 'get by'
on the synthesizer keyboard, do
exactly the same thing.
1 Q/J MIDI file format - Get into
X O O the habit of storing your
data in MIDI file format.
A great many music programs
can read MIDI file data and even non-
MIDI users can benefit from the
advantages. SuperJAM users for
instance can create song
accompaniments based on IFF
sampled sounds and can store the
note details of the SuperJAM
generated composition as a MIDI
file. Such files can then be read into
sequencers like Sequencer One Plus
help make the duplicated sections
sound more interesting. With
sequencers sometimes merely
changing the voices, or using the
'doubling' technique mentioned
earlier, will be enough to bring
additional musical interest back to
the piece.
Third harmonies incidentally are
easy to generate: With songs written
in a major key and just the basic
chords of the key being used you can
just duplicate the melody line,
transpose it upwards by four
semitones {thus creating a whole
track of major third harmonies), and
then flatten the intervals which need
to be minor thirds.
1 QQ Control messages - It is
lOO best to use short
introductory sequences to set up
your MIDI instruments rather than
embedding lots of program changes,
tempo changes and so on, in the
early parts of the first music section.
This eliminates possibly
unnecessary duplication of control
messages when the first real music
section is copied but best of all you
not only always know where to look
to find the initial program change
data but you can edit it, or replace
the whole sequence, very easily
indeed.
It's common to use a one bar
sequence containing the high-hat
(playing once on each beat) plus the
program change events which set up
the synthesizers, drum-machines,
delay units and so on.
continued on page 34
*■) AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
Po w
RC88OB Power Drive
Dual D r i v
Blitz copier built-in <switchable>
Virus Blocker built-in (switchable)
Anti-dick & FSt included
£125
li
ard
u r bo
Features
100-400 DPI scanning resolutions
*■ 64 Grey.scales
Thnj'port for printer
*65
Viruses, disk swapping, clicking drives, disks which
I ■ won't back up. Is there no end to the whingeing
<>l the Amiga user?
Memory Board for A500/A600.
\:
7
Software
Full screen image editor
Interlace mode on/off
Edit true greyscale ik colour images
Fully multi-tasking
-^ Editing
Cut rectangle, cut bfiSOO, crop, flip, rotate, Kale,
j drawjines, circles. boxes , elipses. tree-hand,
- x \ zoom mode
~ Scanning
N* I Oique True feel' real time scan mode - know
At Power we want to tell you )ust where vou can
stick your disks and worries. In fact we'll you The
slot in this picture belongs to our PC880B. the first
intelligent disk drive Insert a disk
Past uS(MK) processor already installed on Ixiard
NOw you can back up at lightning speeds using Fu!!y .„„» .configuring, DMA compatible fast RAM
the inbuilt Blitz Amiga hardware*, with free Si A- J^
Expand up to 8MB (Ok installed)
^ , Memorj 8 uHOOO CPU can run with doubled clock
"raieol M 28MHz
ware, (even if the disk is atari or PC) and if your
computet has a virus the PC8K0H will stop it being
written to the bootblock of any ol you drives,
though you CM still live files as normal
When vou do not warn these features, switch them
^\ instantly il you are scanning the image too quickly ^^ oil' and the PC880H wi! sit quietly, without dick-
: Automatic selection of 100-400 I > PI
■ 0i Produce true greyscale images
V ing, pretending to be simply an extra drive
lC A c t u a I Amiga Sere c n Shots
Amiga can only display 16 grayscales
e PC880B, the onh drive 10 introduce BlltZ
Amiga the Power aim click de\ u e and to combat ^Jj
viruses, is only available direct from Power, priced
at nisi Jb65
Optical S12K shadow RAM on extra memory bank
for shadi '\\ ing the operating system out of ROM < >i
from disk £169
Kickstart ROM
switch
The Power Kickstan ROM switch fits into any A500
or A 500+ and can be lilted with up to 3 Kickstan
^\ ROM s. It can be enabled when switching on the
li Amiga, giving all the benefits of the new versions
c Kickstan and the use of old games and software
£17.95
£59-95
is
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Kickstan ROM Switch (Bare)
Kickstan ROM Switch with 2XM
od e m s
.(V.R EYSCAL
AT
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in< \ \l"
C O I- O I' R
oupra
C n Supra i ax Modem Plus
We have noticed how pricey unintelligent drives l-^ Supra Fax Modem v32 BIS
jj are Perhaps, u's your turn to tell people where to LijC Supra Modem 2400 (External)
>* slick it. )^ supra Modem 2400 Plus (EHemal)
'supra Modem 2»O0 ZIplus (Internal)
1
Same
Address
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' thr likr u Oct hifrfi drn*V <Ji^» huv k' rrquim)
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Description
Postcode
< rcdli < ard No.
Telephone No
Cl i System Owned
I'xpiry
Signature
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SorftnrerOmiptMki«> n lui> IIKKMU
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Make cheque- psj able I wer ComputinK Ud
hill in yuur older form and send it GO
Power Computing Ud
I nil x Raifton Road
Wobum Road industrial Estate
kempston Bedford MK427PN
Ring your credit card order on 02 *> t JH3388
or lax on 023* 0402*4
All prtrt^ in* luiic VAT. ik a li\m am! ate wtrf taflgl
Sjxn tficiiKim .»"* Mibjetl 10 1 binge without notice
Natl dny ddMfy 44.90 K numLind only; AlIlMLkiiurks Jikih>wk\lgtxl
Pdwtt * ompuiinit I J \ liu I'A
19106
P
200 TOP TIPS
MUSIC COMPOSITION/WORD PROCESSING
continued from page 132
1 QQ Sysex messages - Avoid
X O U the use of embedded
cysex messages in your song
sequences because in the main
they'll make the data difficult to port
(having said that, a few generally
recognised sysex messages do
exist).
When you get to the stage where
you have hundreds of arrangements,
then the last thing you'll want is to
have to edit all of them just because
you've changed one or more pieces
of your MIDI equipment.
The best idea is to start as you
mean to go on and, if you are
intent on making regular use of
sysex facilities, isolate the sysex
data into a separate 'control
sequence' so that, if the occasion
arises, it is at least easy to replace
or eliminate.
1 ijA Cheat the beat - There is
X T 1 " a lot of non-copyright
MIDI/music material around in the
public domain and very good some of
it is too. Similarly lots of synths,
sequencers, and drum machines
come with any number of pre-
programmed demo tunes or drum
patterns. Providing you do not steal
something clearly marked as
copyright there's nothing to stop you
borrowing ideas from the examples
you hear. Either write it out as a MIDI
file or. if it is an external unit like a
drum machine then just link it to your
sequencer and record the output.
Remember though that you will need
to maintain proper bar divisions so
it'll be necessary to set the external
unit up so that it generates MIDI
clocks and set the sequencer to
'external sync' so that it uses the
externally generated clock data
rather than its own internal clock.
word processor Is
probably one of the most
sought after Amiga ap-
plications. Just about
everyone has a need to write. It may
be nothing more than personal
notes, or letters to the bank
manager. But It may be you have
ambitions as a professional writer.
or that you have to compile
attractive-looking business reports.
The costs and facilities of word
processors vary considerably. It's
therefore important to have a clear
idea of your needs, and of what the
various packages supply, before
parting with your cash. Here's ten
pointers to bear In mind:
1 Fi 1 Gra P n,cs " Not a " word
ItI processors support
graphiGOi and of those that do, some
offer better facilities than others.
Before investing in a word processor
with graphics facilities, decide
whether you really need them.
Remember that the primary purpose
of a word processor is to help you
write. If graphics are important to
your work, you may be better off with
desktop publishing, which will give
you far better control over graphical
output.
on. If your printer is fairly basic, with
only one or two fonts, then control
codes aren't that important, but if it
has lots of fonts built-in for you to
play with, then you'll want a word
processor which enables you to send
control codes to it to make use of
i' and 'w' in this text. The standard
Amiga font is not proportional - all
letters take up the same space on
the screen. Some word processors
will enable you to use proportional
fonts on-screen, and send these to
your printer. However, these tend to
be slower - updating a screen
containing a proportional font is a
much more complex process than
one with an ordinary bitmapped font.
Whether you need this facility
depends on how professional you
want your output to look. Again, if the
quality of your documents is really
important, it might be an idea to look
at a system comprising of a basic
word processor and a DTP package.
None of the word processors
currently available will support a
printer's built-in proportional fonts.
\ Fi Fi Number °' documents - If
X ^Tc you're doing nothing more
than writing letters, you're unlikely to
need more than one document open
at a time. If. however, you are
involved in creative writing, the
facility to cut text from one document
and paste into another can be
invaluable.
Just about every word processor
will enable you to have more than
one document open at once, but
different packages set different
limits on how many can be open.
Available memory will often be a
limiting factor. Bear in mind that
programs which make use of colour
and graphics in documents will use
much more memory for each opened
document as well as running
progressively more slowly. Being able
Hwdworth vl.|B13 1991 Digit* International
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Wordworth Is one of the most popular and professional Amiga word
processors, but Is It really what you require? Perhaps you need DTP?
a m
142
Control codes - These are
ayout instructions which
are sent to the printer. They do
things such as change fonts, sizes,
switches from bold to italic and so
them. If you need to send control
codes, be sure that the package you
have in mind supports them - most
don't.
I Fi Q Proportional fonts - These
ItO consist of letters which
are of different widths, such as the
to type faster than a word processor
can display is a real irritation.
1 A f* Spelling checker - All but
X ^T O the cheapest word
processors come with spelling
checkers. A spelling checker is a
pretty useful utility, but it should
never be relied upon one hundred
per cent to correct your text. Also,
don't forget that word processors
from American manufacturers will
have American dictionaries, in which
many words will be spelt 'incorrectly'.
Some of the better word
processors have several dictionaries
against which they can check your
work. With these programs, text will
be checked against a dictionary of
commonly used words before a
larger (and therefore slower)
dictionary is consulted. This is useful
if you have large documents to
check.
Another thing to look out for is
the facility to create more than one
user dictionary {in which you can
enter your own words, unrecognised
by the computer's dictionary). Having
more than one user dictionary means
you can store sets of esoteric words
relating to different subjects.
If you intend to create large
documents, another good facility is
the ability of the spelling checker to
go through the whole document
before querying any words. That way.
you don't have to wait for requester
after requester to appear as the
checker churns through your text and
all the instances of the same word
mis-spelled several times throughout
the text will be corrected with only
one entry from the user.
1 Fa £• Thesaurus - Not many
J. T"0 packages include a
thesaurus, but then again not many
people need one. Computer
thesauruses tend to be pale
shadows of their bookish
counterparts. Don't let the inclusion
of a thesaurus in a package sway
you overmuch in its favour.
\ Fa^ Columns - Some
lTl packages enable you to
format your text in several columns
across the page, which can be handy
for producing newsletters and the
like. However, if you intend to make
a great deal of use of this facility,
and you require a good deal of
flexibility in the formatting of your
text, again you might be better
advised to look at a DTP package.
The multi-column facilities of word
processors are OK, but basic. One
thing to look out for is the ability to
insert column breaks in your text,
giving you greater freedom in
deciding which text goes where.
1 Fi ft Content$ • Tne ability oi a
l^O word processor to form a
list of contents or an index based on
user-selected words can be a boon
when producing a report or technical
documentation.
1 f Q Headers and footers -
X ^ 2/ These are short sections
of text that get printed at the top and
^M AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
WORD PR0CESS0RS/3D MODELLING
200 TOP TIPS
bottom of every page. They are
useful for just about anything beyond
simple letters. Look out for the
facility to use different headers and
footers for left and right-handed
pages.
1 p* f\ Mail merge - This Is the
X Jl/ ability of a word processor
to take name and address
information from a database and
place it in a document. This is handy
if you intend to use your word
processor for business and will be
writing a lot of standard letters
(those in which the main text is the
same tor each recipient). Look out
for the facility to choose names and
addresses from the database
according to user-specified sort
criteria (only sending letters to
people tn London, for instance).
D programs have been
appearing for the Amiga
since it was first
launched. One early
offering, Vldeoscape, has since
evolved into Lightwave, the
powerful software which is the heart
of the Video Toaster's 3D system.
Other programs, such as Imagine
and Real3D, have also been
developed extensively over the
years, though some, particularly
Sculpt 3D, have almost faded away.
As Amlgas become ever more
powerful, 3D software continues to
push at the boundaries of reality.
But whatever the power, 3D
requires sustained Input from the
user. Here are ten tips to help you
towards virtual reality.
1 C "1 Speed and time - 3D work
X %J X is very time and memory
intensive.
Some serious software now
requires at least 1Mb of Chip and
2Mb of Fast RAM just to get started.
I'd advise you to add as much RAM
as you can - you'll need it. Also add
a largish hard disk, because you'll
need somewhere to keep your 3D
objects and textures, as well as your
renderings. And. especially, add an
accelerator, the faster the better.
Otherwise you'll quickly become
frustrated with the snail's pace that
your Amiga seems to work at. Of
course, while none of these items
are obligatory, any serious 3D work,
particularly in 24-bit, will really
benefit from any or all of the above.
A tape streamer might also come in
handy for those large sequences of
images which will ultimately be
transferred to video-tape.
^ 5 i\ Is ray tracing necessary?
1i)m- The answer is often no.
Annougn many images do look
prettier when raytraced, it can be a
waste of precious rendering time and
the final product may benefit only
marginally over a non raytrace
rendered image. Weigh up the
benefits of including shadows,
refraction and true reflections. Use
reflection mapping instead if your
software allows, as a simple two or
four colour reflection map can make
a major difference.
1 ff Q Keep cool - 3D modelling
luO and animation requires
high levels of concentration and
patience. And even then the failure
rate can be high. Conceptualising a
3D solid and translating it into a
wireframe representation in a 3D
modeller can require some bold
leaps of imagination. Be prepared for
a long learning curve. Patience,
practice and regular saves will help
keep you out of the 3D straight
jacket.
"1 E* JJ Sleep on It - Don't waste
X t_l ^ precious computing time
rendering frames. Let your Amiga do
the hard work while you take a well-
earned rest. Even with multitasking.
3D rendering can be very time
consuming, with frames often taking
many hours to complete on non-
accelerated machines. So while you
dream about reality, let your
computer handle your virtual dreams
and have them ready for you in the
morning.
1 Pp Get converted - Instead
lOiJof building your object
from scratch it is often simpler to
take a 2D image and convert it to 3D
with a program like Pixel 3D or Race
Trace. Some recent 3D software,
such as Imagine, have built-in 2D
converters, though they can be a
little flaky. It's amazing how much
time and trouble you can save by
digitising or painting a company logo
and converting it for that flying logo
extravaganza. Don't forget that it's
also possible to use a file format
converter to transmute an object
from one particular format to
another. Two programs spring to
mind for this - Interchange and, once
again, Pixel 3D. You'll wonder why
you wasted all that time before.
"I £*/* Tape or disk? - How you
X «J \J output your work depends
on your needs. In most cases the
choice will be between video-tape or
computer disk. The best quality will
obviously be obtained by saving all
images and animations on disk and
playing them back on an RGB
monitor. But for many purposes this
is either impractical or downright
impossible and video is usually the
preferred method, with animations
either being played back directly to
tape via a quality RGB encoder or
genlock or by single frames being
recorded consecutively to an
accurate, time-code equipped VCR.
The frames will usually be of 24-bit
quality and the VCR will be a
professional model.
1M How many bits? - 24-bit
X «J f devices undoubtedly
provide the best-looking output, but
they are expensive, with the
up is. or where your current position
is in relation to 0.0,0, then you are
quickly lost! Understanding of the
notional 3-dimensional space within
the software is a must. If you aren't
sure about something, pencil and
graph paper. Lego bricks, or
whatever you need to bring you back
to the real world can be a big help.
Setting a notional scale for the world
is also extremely helpful. As 3D
software space has no absolute
dimensions you should impose your
own measurements. Think in metric,
or feet and inches, but stick to one
system and you'll have a better
sense of scale.
"I J? Q Lighting -In most cases
X «_J *J at least two light sources
are desirable to get a good image.
Use a mixture of ambient
(environmental) and lamp source
lighting. This will at least give you a
crude representation of lighting in
the real world. In other cases
multiple lights are needed.
When you light a scene, think
about how tight might enter in reality.
One light source is often the
brightest (the Key light) and the
Tactical tips for taking your 3D modelling into another dimension. As you can
see from this picture, some superb effects can be achieved
cheapest costing around £600 and
offering little other than video output.
While 16. 32 or HAM colour formats
all have their place, they aren't
always acceptable for quality 3D
applications. Some programs
produce animations in proprietary
formats for playback directly to tape
or monitor, though the size of these
is limited by onboard RAM. Another
option is to use DCTV. which can
play animations back in high-quality
DCTV format. Whilst there is a trade-
off in quality against 24-bit. DCTV
anims are pretty space-efficient and
provide a way of getting close to 24-
bit motion playback.
"I G Q The world - Understanding
X O O the 3D world is
paramount. If you don't know where
others fill the scene with dimmer
light. Less ambient light will give a
moodier feel to your image.
1 £*f\ Pebble dashing -Often it
X \j\J really isn't necessary (or
practical) to go to extremes in
modelling all the minute details of an
object. If your software supports
surface mapping you should make
use of it as it is a very useful
feature. For example, you want to
build a row of houses for the
background of an animation. By
using surface mapping to apply a 2D
IFF image of a house front to one
side of a simple cubic shape you not
only avoid some extremely time-
consuming and difficult modelling,
but also reduce memory usage
dramatically.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
35
200 TOP TIPS
PRINTERS
Judging by the vast numbers
of printer queries which
appear again and again In
our Amiga Answers mail bag.
printers pose a few problems to
many of you. That's why we've
devoted a massive 20 per cent of
out tips to printers...
1 /J 1 Plugging it In - Never.
lUl ever, plug a printer cable
into the printer or the Amiga while
the printer or the Amiga is switched
on. Some tech-heads will tell you
mere is no problem with doing this.
that there is no power travelling
along the parallel cable so no
damage can be caused, but this not
always the case (see tip 162). If you
are using a serial printer this tip is
especially important because there
almost certainly will be power
travelling along the serial cable.
•| /JO Parallel port - The Amiga's
A Om parallel printer port is not
completely standard, it sends power
along a couple of lines that standard
parallel ports don't use. This is so
that peripherals can take their power
from the parallel port rather than a
separate power supply. DigiView
does this, and so do all Amiga sound
samplers.
A standard (IBM PC) parallel
printer cable does not have these
lines connected, and this is the type
of lead you need to connect your
printer to the Amiga's parallel port.
There will be no need to alter such a
cable in any way, it will work 'straight
out of the box'. But avoid leads that
are made out of ribbon cable, it is
likely that all the lines in such a
cable will be connected, and you will
end up frying the printer, the Amiga.
or both.
"I /JO Serial port - Connecting a
A QO serial printer to the
Amiga's serial port is a black art.
While the Amiga end (obviously)
remains the same, the connections
at the other end will be of the printer
manufacturer's invention. You will
need a special lead; you certainly
won't be able to walk into a shop
iind fl- 'or :i r-orinl lond to ronniTt
my Amiga to such-and-such a
printer'*. A lead will have to be made
up specially, and for this you will
need details of the printer's serial
port. These details should be in the
printer manual, and you'll need to
give this and your Amiga manual to
somebody who knows what they are
doing.
If the serial lead is wired wrongly,
you will at the very least (and
instantly) blow up your Amiga's serial
port.
164
Bargains - Resist every
temptation to buy an old
Amiga. Don't accept printed output
from under the counter as proof that
it works, you want to see it working
for yourself.
If the retailer's response to any
of these questions sounds at all
nervous, assume that the printer will
not work properly with the Amiga
because there isn't a specific printer
driver for it.
Repeat this process with as
many retailers as it takes until you
find one that knows what it is talking
about.
*| /? f! Claiming your rights -
A U\J When buying a new
printer, make the retailer write "For
text and graphics use with the
Amiga" on the receipt.
When you find out it doesn't work
Don't settle for anything less than print perfection - test out our tips and see
your printing improve In leaps and bounds, whatever your printer
printer at a knock-down price at an
auction or car boot sale unless you
know for certain that there is an
Amiga printer driver for it. You will
need to know what popular printer
the knock-down printer emulates in
order to find a driver. If you're lucky
these details will be in the manual
under the 'specifications' section,
otherwise you'll
need to phone the m^m^mmm^m
manufacturer and
ask. Then comes
the frustrating task
of finding a driver
that works with
that emulation.
If you buy an
old, manual-less
serial printer at an
auction you have
almost certainly
thrown money
down the drain.
"Resist every
temptation to buy
an old printer at a
knockdown price at
a car boot sale."
properly you can return it and ask for
your money back because the printer
does not do the job you bought it for,
as written down by the retailer on
your receipt. This is your statutory
right as a consumer.
■| /J Py Profusion of Ps - If you
A O f are getting Ps or other
weird characters
^^mmm^^mm printed at the top of
the first page of
every printout, check
that you have a
current version of
'printer.device' in the
DEVS directory of the
disk you booted
from.
Open a CLI or
Shell to full screen
size and enter the
command line:
1 /*£* Compatibility - When
lOO buying a new printer, ask
the retailer if that model of printer
will work 100 per cent perfectly with
the Amiga. Ask which of the supplied
Workbench Preferences printer
drivers you should use. And then ask
to see the printer working in both
text and graphics mode with the
TYPE DEVS: PRINTER. DEVICE HEX
Press the spacebar once to halt the
listing before it scrolls out of the
window. About half way down the
page, on the right-hand side, you'll
see a version number, followed by a
date. Your version should be at least
35 point something, and dated 1988
or later. The version of printer.device
distributed with Workbench 2.04 is
V35.603; the version distributed with
Workbench 1.3.2 is V35.563; with
Workbench 1.3 it was V35.562. All
these versions should work OK.
The version of printer.device
distributed with Workbench 1.2 was
V33 (Revision 132). and is the one
that is causing some programs to
print out strange characters at the
top of pages when used with
Workbench 1.3 or later.
1 £J Q Epson emulation - If you
A O O are getting strange results
from an Epson compatible printer
and an Epson compatible printer
driver that are supposed to work
together perfectly, check the printer
manual to see if the printer has an
IBM emulation as well as an Epson
emulation. If it does, check the
printer's dip switches to make sure
they are set for Epson emulation.
This may sound like an obvious tip.
but printers that the manufacturer is
aiming at the "professional" tie PC)
market almost always come set-up
for IBM emulation.
"1 f*(\ Ribbon Ink - Never use
A O %J Qumk or stamp pad ink (or
anything else like that) to re-ink a
monochrome printer ribbon. And for
heaven's sake don't let anybody
convince you that it is OK to use
WD40 or any other type of 'duck' oil.
Proper ribbon ink contains a
special type of lubricant that not only
helps the pins in the head move in
and out. but also transports the large
amounts of heat generated by the
pins away from the printer head. If
the pins get too hot they become
brittle or soft and are liable to snap
or bend a little bit and get stuck. The
classic symptoms of this are very
noticeable horizontal white lines on
graphics dumps, and bits of letters
going missing in text printouts.
There is proper stuff available,
called Re-inK. that will re-ink between
20 and 100 ribbons, depending on
the size of your ribbon. It costs about
£12 per "future friendly* spray can.
For more details call the Re-inK help
line on 0202 666155.
1 7n Refl " ktts " lnk,et printer
Jl I \J owners can save money by
buying re-fill kits instead of new
cartridges. There are various
companies selling these kits,
Systems Insight (0707 276913) for
example, which cost about £20 and
normally include a syringe and
enough ink for about five re-fills.
Colours are also available.
m Technical line - If you are
having bad problems with
your printer, it is always worth calling
the manufacturer's technical help
line. These lines tend to be quite
busy, so you may have to call quite a
36
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
PRINTERS
200 TOP TIPS
few times, or hang on the line for a
while, until you can get to talk to
somebody.
In my experience I have found
the following companies to be
especially helpful, and most of them
know quite a bit about the Amiga and
Amiga applications: Star (« 0494
471111). Citizen (« 0895 272621).
Canon (• 081 773 3173). Brother
(• 061 330 6531). and Facit (w
0634 868000).
170 Being nlce - Strictly
1 Im speaking, pnnter
manufacturer technical help lines are
for the use of printer dealers and
distributors, not for customers, but if
you eaten tnem on a good day ana
you throw a few compliments around.
you'll be surprised how helpful they
can be. If you steam in with the -it's
your legal responsibility" approach.
or explain to them that "this phone
call is costing me a fortune", expect
to rw» politely requested to take your
problem to the dealer from which you
bought the printer.
1 ^Q Deksjet owners - DeskJet
1 I O 500C owners will be
pleased to hear that the latest
version of TurboPrint Professional
comes with a DeskJet 500C driver.
If you've already bought
TurboPrint Professional and want an
update you will need to contact
IrseeSoft direct. The address is on
the back of the manual.
If you own a DeskJet 500C and
are considering buying TurboPrint
Professional, do ask the retailer,
before you buy. if this is the version
that comes with the DeskJet 500C
driver.
1 ^ A PostScript support - If
J. • TT you are considering buying
a laser printer, think long and hard
about whether to buy one that
supports PostScript.
While the cost of the printer will
be slightly more, there are enormous
advantages to using PostScript over
LaserJet emulation, not the least of
which is the fact that there are no
proper LaserJet II or III Amiga printer
drivers yet.
*| PJ P* PostScript software -
lit) Before buying a PostScript
printer keep in mind that the
software you are using must also
support PostScript, and that if you
want to use the printer to create A4
desktop published pages then 2Mb
of printer memory is a realistic
minimum. If your A4 pages use lots
of downloaded fonts (as opposed to
the 35-ish fonts that will be built into
the printer), then you will need more
pnnter memory.
Also, make sure that the
Implementation of PostScript inside
the printer is a modern version and
100 per cent Adobe standard, some
aren't.
"1 *7 /? Colour separations - If
1 I U you are outputting
PostScript colour separations,
remember that the screen
frequencies (lines per inch) and dot
angles are extremely important.
Professional Page users should note
that the default values supplied in
the Output PostScript requester are
not "suggested" or "tried and
tested" values, they are simply
arbitrary numbers.
Screen frequencies and dot
rotation angles must be discussed
with the bureau which is doing the
films for you. otherwise you'll end up
paying for wasted films and time on
the imagesetter.
If the bureau doesn't understand
what you are talking about or says or
implies that "it doesn't matter", go
to another bureau toot-sweet.
177
Page width - The
PostScript page width is
very important. If you specify a width
of PostScript page wider than that
which the bureau's imagesetter can
handle, most imagesetters will
happily accept the input... trundle,
trundle, trundle... but will output
nothing. However you will still have to
pay for the time on the imagesetter
because it was your mistake.
The maximum width of film
imagesetters can take differs
depending on the
model of ^^m^m—m
imagesetter being
used. You must ask
the bureau what
width of PostScript
page you should
use. Remember that
if you want cropping
and registration
marks, these marks
will be printed in the
area between the
edge of the physical
page and the edge of the PostScript
page.
"Cafcfi them on a
good day, and
you'll be surprised
how helpful
manufacturers can
be."
and plate - and that's as well as the
four plates for the cyan, magenta,
yellow and black separations.
Don't assume that the bureau
knows or understands about the
Pantone colour system. Ask
beforehand or you'll end up having
an argument about whose fault the
'mistake' was.
And unless you
^MM^Hhave deep pockets.
ask about the cost
of using Pantone
colours before the
bill gives you a heart
attack.
179
178
Pantone colours -
Professional Page users
should note that each Pantone
colour used requires a separate film
This is a list of popular current printers for which there are known printer
drivers that work perfectly and take full advantage of the printers'
facilities, in cases where the software that is doing the printing allows. It
Is certainly not a complete list, but we get more letters about these
models of printers than any others.
None of the drivers in this list come with Workbench. Citizen Print
Manager is available from Citizen (w 0895 272621). all the others are on
various Jamdisks, available from JAM on « 0895 274449.
Note that at the time of writing there are no proper Amiga printer drivers
for the Hewlett-Packard DeskJet Plus. DeskJet 500, DeskJet 500C, LaserJet
Plus, LaserJet II. LaserJet IIP. LaserJet ill and LaserJet HIP. If this fact annoys
you. phone Hewlett-Packard (« 0344 360000) and give its technical boffins
an ear-bashing, then phone Commodore (» 0628 770088) and give the
people there an ear-bashing too.
It should also be noted that Canon. Star and Citizen have gone out their
way to ensure that there are Amiga printer drivers for at least some of their
current models.
PRINTER MODEL/S
Canon BJ-lOe/lOex
Canon BJ-300/330
Canon BJC-800
Canon LBP-4/8
Citizen printers
Commodore 1550C
Epson FX-850/1050 (or emulation)
Epson LQ-850/1050 (or emulation)
Epson LQ-1000/1500 (or emulation)
Epson LX-850 (or emulation)
NEC 24-pins
Panasonic KX-P1123/1124
Star LC-200
Star LC24-10/15
Star LC24-200
Star SJ-48
Star XB24-10/15
DRIVER NAME
CanonBJIO
CanonBJ300
coming soon
CanonLBP
Citizen Print Manager
Star9Plus
Star9Plus
EpsonQPIus
Star24Plus
Star9Plus
Nec24Plus
PanasonicPlus
Star9Plus
Star24Plus
EpsonQPIus
Star24Plus
Star24Plus
Printer
trouble -
if after telling an
application to print
something, nothing
happens and then
after about 30 seconds a 'Printer
Trouble' system requester appears
on your screen, this means the
printer driver has been trying
desperately to send data to the
printer, but the printer has not sent
back a message saying that it has
received that data.
This could be due to several
things... Is the printer switched on?
Is there paper in the printer? Has
the paper jammed? Is the printer on-
line? Are you using a proper printer
cable? Is the printer cable plugged
in? Are you using the correct printer
driver?
1 Q A Opening the printer
lOU device - If when trying to
print you end up with a "Cannot
open printer device" system
requester, this (normally) means one
of two things. Either some other
application that you are multitasking
is using the printer (and therefore
already has the printer device open),
or some required system files are
not where they should be. Luckily
both these problems are easily
remedied...
This mostly happens when you
create your own 'boot-up' disks and
forget to copy the pnnter.device' or
paraliel.device' file into the DEVS
directory of the boot-up disk, or
you've forgotten to copy the printer
driver into DEVS/PRINTERS on the
boot-up disk.
The answer to this problem is to
work backwards. Instead of creating
a boot-up disk from empty, copy the
Workbench disk, remove the files
and directories that you do not need,
and then copy your application on to
the copy of the Workbench disk. Do
note, however, that unless you know
precisely what you are doing, you
should leave the DEVS. L. UBS. S
and SYSTEM directories exactly as
they are.
c Mtiavtd on poojt 40
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
37
- \ 1
THE ALL
J*ff3^ AMIGA 600 PACK
** y *^ Very Lal.sl Amiga f .a
it On-sife maintenance
* KrCKstart/WofVbench 2.05
* Built-in TV/Modulator
* Smart Card Slot
* IDE Hard Disk Controller
(Optional 20Mb inrornal hard disk)
Exclusive to Futureworld*
■MM
AoOOPock
AoOOJirtc DPo.nt III 4 gam.) RRp £399 99
Ajtro Ten Game* Pack RRP £229 78
Gf A Bosk RRP £49.95
TOTAL RRP £679 72
lot yours for an unbelievable £399.99
r\
A600 HD Pack: Aj above but featuring 20Mb Hard Disk TOTAL RRP £779 72
But yours for an unbelievable £499.99
Ni: HD VERSION DOl5 NOT INClUOl DPIII OR GAME
ALL OUR A500 PLUSES COME WITH A MASSIVE 2 ME6 OF
AMKrtWVi^iSfSPU
Only vetlion g"° ,a
Megobyl
(RAM
1 MEG UPORABE BOARD
f^urnl'Oitopiayy^' =
M NIGHTS HOUDAY*C C N(NG
up £349 95
Rffp £229.71
MP £7.t»
«»£6vv
nrv*
fr|#r . Backup U***
GAMESMASTER PACK
A500+ CARTOON CLASSICS PACK D C7Q0 o
2 MEG RAM BOARD (lat«si blu* pcb dttign) P cq ft<
l^aHMvyouf A500t to a muuv* 2 mtQAbyitf o* RAM HKr £ JT.Vii
ASTRA TEN GAMES PACK
Otftttlorm * Ounp^on QlfMI • E Mc#on • Grind M*ti* Slim • *UJ Qiovm
Pow«o>ty • RVF Hond* - ShuirupMfc Ca** ■ Soccer • TowtH of BflM
(PVB Ail QAmo» indfWfciAfy ptcfcAQMft
WICKED 40 GAME PACK
2 FIGHTER MICROSWITCH JOYSTICKS
Not ori# Dwl TteO O^ilHty OylliCU
QUALITY MOUSEPAD
TAILOR MADE DUSTCOVER
•PLUS- FD DISK PACK CONTAINING
Wvtffoimav • So>Mdtf<M( • D«uu • Virus **•> - Baouc IM*
' R °"" ,0NAl "««C PACK
£2-252?? CUSS.CS PACK
2 meg ram *zsr:*r ■>-£ "-
HI
MUSIC X 1 i ,,"
QUALITY MIDI iiuSS?r."-
RRp £399 9 5
flflp£59,» 5
~~- M i»£*«
■"•Ml
RRP £24 f 5 **
RRP 1 5 98
RRP £6.99
RRP £6.99
Sassa** "•*
.95
TOTAL RRP £744.59
But yours for an unbelievable.. .
£399
.99
2 x MIDI CABLES
QUALITY MOUSEPAD
TAILOR MADE DROVER
TOTAL RRP £672 ?t "*
rrp£149.9 5
RRP £34 95
««p£13.w
wwȣ6.w
r »p £6 w
""r^-^Sffis^-c-^a^
GFA BASIC
The
9* conwwns*, rfimKK ^JJJ "9.95 CLIP-IT PAPER HOLDER
10 DS/DD DISKS
10 CAPACITY STORAGE BOX
SCART LEAD TO YOUR COMPUTER ȣZ
RRP £9.99
RRP £4.99
MOUSE HOUSE
AMIGA CDTV STARTER PACK
CDTV PLAYER Complete with remote RRP £499.99
control. Lemmings etc
CDTV KEYBOARD RRP £49.99
CUMANA SUPER SUM DRIVE RRP £79.99
GFA BASIC used with above, transforms
CDTV into a fully programmable Amiga RRP 79.99
TOTAL RRP £679.96
But yours for an unbelievable
£549
.95
«°">STA* 14" TV/MONITOR
ar,::ir^r ,onds,eep,mer *«*—**
TOTAL RRP WITH VALUE PACK £325 79 £ 1 OO
WHIPS 3332 IS" FST ■» — * ■ ^V.95
TOTAL RRP W.TH VALUE PACK £330.75 £ M O ~
SBSSSM2B— 5^"
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{"credible value for money *■ **r» fer on unheal*
w,„ wc Z!!„I!!«' ,^,,,0 C0l0 "« <"<w"to«
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WHILE STOCKS LAST
? 500 CARTOON CUVS5.CS SUPERPACK
L699 95
m mJS&&^E8&2SSS&s.
MUM* GAME PACK .0 individ-aHy M*«
GFA BASIC EtNrttal lor bos* pwgtonwn.no. RRP U9.W
CARTOON CLASSICS SOFTWARE
M S,mp»n V, Space Muton., • lammrngs^ ^ ^
Captain Planet oop c 1 S Qfl
QUAUTY MOUSEPAD _ _ W/ M^lator (CW.95) jj * " » be us^ with a te^on
TOTAL RRP £1082.62
But your* for on unboUtvablo
£599.95
£229
.95
95
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f239
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MEMORY DRIVES A SCANNERS
512K RAM EXPANSION WITHOUT CLOCK £19.95 WITH CLOCK £24.95
1 .5 MEG EXPANSION (Not Plus compatible) £79.95
1 MEG EXPANSION (Gives your A500 plus a massive 2MB) £39.95
1 MEG EXPANSION WITH THRU-PORT £49.95
NEW 8 MEG RAM BOARDS FROM POWER Complete with Thru-Port Populated board
with OMeg RAM £99 • 2 Meg RAM £129 • 4 Meg RAM £189.95 • 8 Meg RAM £299.95
DIRECT A500 REPLACEMENT DRIVE with instructions £44.95
POWER PC880E Robust slim drive with anti-click £49.95
CUMANA CAX 354 SLIMLINE DRIVE £54.95
POWER PC 8808 with Blitz/Virus hordware £69.95
POWER PC880B+ X-COPY PROFESSIONAL £99.95
DUAL POWER PC880B complete with Power supply £124.95
GVP 52 MEG HARD DRIVE WITH RAM EXPANDABLE TO 8MB
Meg RAM £379.95*2 Meg RAM £429.95-4 Meg RAM £499.95-8 Meg RAM £679.95'
GVP 105 MEG HARD DRIVE WITH RAM EXPANDABLE TO 8MB
Meg RAM £579.95-2 Meg RAM £629.95-4 Meg RAM £729.95-8 Meg RAM £899.95
POWER SCANNER WITH VERSION 2.0 SOFTWARE £99.95
UPGRADE KIT FOR NON POWER SCANNER UNITS
Complete with hardware interlace and new version 2.0 Software £49.95
-.^
■
W
computers
STAR PRINTERS
All ov S*o' P'inloti no** co<"» vittK lh« following
value pock worth £34.9© COMPLETELY FREE
QUALITY COMPUTER CABLE RRP £9.99
UNIVERSAL PRINT! R STAND RRP £9 99
200 SHEETS CONTINUOUS PAPER RRP £4.99
TAILOR MADI DUST COVER RRP £9 99
1 6 NIGHTS HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
t PLUS • PD DISK PACK CONTAINING
Word processor • Spreadsheet • Databaie •
Virui K.llerG Backup Utility
•TAR LC30 MONO PdlNTIPt
9 Pin Dot Mohi* 1 80/45 cps
TOTAL RRP wilh value pock £268.01
■ut your* for an unbelievable £ 1 49. ••
STAR LCaOO COLOUR PRINTER
9 Pin coloui 1 85/45 cps
TOTAL RRP with value pock £33995
Bui your* for on unb.li.vabl. £209.ts
STAR LC24-200 MONO PRINTER
24 Pin mono printer ??0/55cp»
TOTAL RRP with vok/o pock £386.29
»v? yovrt for on unb.li.vobl. £ 240. •*
STAR 1X24-300 COLOUR RRINTIR
24 Pin Cvk»v' pcnt»' 220/55cpi
TOTAL RRP with volu. pock C445 04
But yours for on unbelievable £ 299.es
STAR SJ48 INKJIT RRINTIR
High speed/quality mono printer lOOcps [LQ|
TOTAL RRP with value pock £379 96
Rut yours for an unboUvabU £244.91
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WORD PROCESSORS
OUICKWRITE oastc but efficient and easy to use £59.99
PENPAL Ideal for both beginners & experienced users £79.99
WORDWORTH Industry standard, the best' £129.99
DATABASE
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SUPcRBASE PROFESSIONAL £249.95
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SPREADSHEET
K-SPREAD 2 Simple & easy to use £63.99
K-SPREAD 3 Enhanced version of above £81.99
MAXIPLAN Well known powerful spreadsheet £69.99
ADVANTAGE Powerful package for business users £99.99
UTILITIES
PERSONAL FINANCE MANAGER
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HOME ACCOUNTS 2
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AMOS THE CREATOR Become a budding gamesmaker £49.99
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every cartoonists dream £99.99
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10 DS/ °D 3.5- disks
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PROFESSIONAL AMIGA REPAIRS
"Simply The Best" Commodore authorised repair centre
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Perioral callers in ro one of our stores may deduct £10 from the above price.
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EXTEND YOUR WARRANTY TO A TOTAL OF 1 YEAR FOR ONLY AN ADDITIONAL £20.00
. 1
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BY PHONE rvl J2J^
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* All this for only £19 95 per item purchased
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FULLY COMPUTERISED ORDERING SYSTEM
Thii enables our telesales stoff to provide up-to-the-minute stock information coupled
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FULL TESTING PROCEDURE
All computer hardware is tested prior to dispatch maintaining our motto;
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S X
All goods sbject 10 availability
Aliprices cored at time of
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f
STORE
UR NEAREST
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> 1 The Howard Centre, Bedford Telephone 0234 212460
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WATCH THIS SPACE
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Wk
'"-to
200 TOP TIPS
SETTING UP A SPREADSHEET
HTslntablt
formula might change. Adding a row
at A12. would change this formula
thus: A21-A8+A23.
The above shows a series of sin waves rotated through 180 degrees - the
message to be learned from this Is to keep It as simple as possible
Settin
evlslng a spreadsheet for
any particular application
Is one of the most
arduous tasks a beginner
can be faced with - but with some
careful planning, It need not be as
complex as you might imagine.
m Basics - To begin with,
you must have a basic
idea of what the sheet is meant to
do. Most spreadsheets can be
configured in countless variations -
but it is important to lay down a few
ground rules before starting out.
Three things are required:
• What values you have available.
• What results you will require.
• The formulas required to turn A
into B.
The actual maths involved in the
calculations will be handled at great
speed by the sheet, but it can only
follow the rules you enter into it. If
you start with the prerequisites
described above, you will find
designing the sheet will be a breeze.
1 Q O Add Up x ' 0ne of the
IOm most common jobs a
spreadsheet is called upon to do is
to add up the entire contents of a
column or row: you might want to
add up a column of numbers for
example. The most obvious way to
do this is add each individual cell in
turn, viz:
A1+A2+A3+A4+A5+A6
However, most spreadsheets will
allow you to add up a sequential
series of cells such as this with the
SUM() function. Cell referencing
techniques may change
@SUM(A1..A6) or =SUM(A1:A6) for
instance, but it means the same
thing.
1 Q Q Add u p 2 - The (| p
lOO described above uses a
technique called "cell relative
addressing" or "cell relative
referencing". This just means the cell
addresses are not fixed and if you
want to add an extra row between,
say A3 and A4, the formula:
@SUM(A1..A6)
will change to:
@SUM(A1..A7)
The extra row is accounted for
automatically in this calculation and
all others affected. This is. of
course, one of the advantages of
using a spreadsheet. However, the
benefits of using "absolute
referencing" should not be ignored.
In this case cell references always
point to the same cells. You would
use this in a cashflow (for instance)
to calculate the difference between
the total income (B8) and total
expenditure (B20) plus the balance
carried over (A22): A20-A8+A22
If you should add an extra row or
two, the relative references will be
corrected by the sheet, so the
184
Cut and Paste 1 - The
fastest way to create a
basic sheet for simple jobs such as
a cashflow is to create an entire
column manually, copy it, then paste
it into the remaining columns.
Any column specific (monthly
headings etc.) alterations should be
made later. In Procalc the keypress
A-v is a shortcut for Paste... Relative
- to automatically resolve cell
addresses. In Advantage you must
use the menu option
Paste... Relative. The shortcut A-V
(menu Paste. ..Full) is absolute and
does not resolve the references.
1 Q f* Cut and Paste 2 - The
lOu paste function in Analyse
is more comprehensive than either
Advantage or Procalc. In this system
you can copy a single cell to a range
of cells - Analyse will resolve all the
cell references automatically. Follow
these steps:
a) Click on the cell (formula) to copy.
b) Press /RC. (Menu: Range... Copy).
c) Press Return to confirm the
selection.
d) Move the cursor where you want
to copy TO...
e) ...and press "." to hold the first
cell.
f) Move the cursor to mark the entire
block.
g) Press [Return] to complete the
operation.
The same technique can be used to
copy a row or column. Select the row
as described above. Move to the first
column/(row) you want to fill and
press V. Move the cursor to block
out the entire selection and press
Return. The copy and paste areas
need not be the same size.
1 g/J Basic charting - Most
lOO systems offer a large
number of complex graphics - but for
most purposes a bar or a line chart
will be quite sufficient. Automatic
systems such as Advantage and
Procalc. while easier and faster to
use suffer from labelling problems.
Therefore, either keep the label
names short, or. reduce the amount
of data shown on the graph. If you're
printing graphics on an impact
machine, keep them simple to save
wear on your print head and your
nervous system.
1 O n Automatic chart parsing -
lO I This suffers from two
major bugbears. First the data can
be read in one of two directions: by
row or by column. This can cause all
kinds of bother when you produce
say a pie chart and it only has one
segment. In this case change the
parsing from Row to Column or vice-
versa.
By the same token, automatic
scale labels are read from the
respective rows and columns
above and to the left of the selected
data. If you need to produce a chart
of some specific data, copy it
(values only for speed) and its
respective labels to a separate area
on the sheet and take a chart from
there.
1 QQ Formulas - Always keep
A OO formulas simple! Always
prefer an internal function to one
constructed from separate functions.
This will help keep the sheet's recalc
time down to a minimum and makes
it easier to understand. If you must
use a complex formula, break it
down into smaller chunks and hide
the intermediate results elsewhere
on the sheet.
You can hide intermediate
values on some spreadsheets by
changing a range of cell's pen
colour to the background colour —
use this as a last resort though.
Keep a separate "sheet" of any
special formulas you devise so they
can be copied-in whenever they are
required.
1 QQ Show negative results -
lOi/ Most spreadsheets have a
feature to allow you to highlight
negative values. Advantage and
Procalc do not: you must use a
function instead although this is
more powerful. Assume you have a
row of results A20...G20 and wish to
highlight any negative values. The
following function should be entered
into any spare cell below in column
A: SETCOLOR(A20<0.2.3.A20)
and then pasted relative (A-V in
Procalc) into all the cells through to
column G.
The colours are determined by
the two centre numbers. Also, the
cell highlighted need not be the one
checked. A similar technique is
available using the SETSTYLE
function. This uses binary values to
set one of seven available styles —
consult your manual for more
information.
1 Q /\ To Transfer Data - The
A %J " simplest way to exchange
data with other spreadsheets -
either on the Amiga or other systems
such as PC and Macintosh - is to
save the file in Lotus 1-2-3 format.
Major packages such as Procalc,
Advantage and The Works all support
a major subset of the Lotus file
format and this is generally the most
effective method. Other methods
such as DIF are less reliable. If you
are sending your sheet to a database
package use CSV (comma delimited)
if this is available.
40
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
Two Identical sections of code. Which looks best to you? Learn how
to make your code more productive with tips 191 to 200
rogramming
ssembly language
programming on any
machine can turn Into a
complete nightmare If
you are not careful. Programs, by
nature, are naturally longer and
seemingly more complex. But If
some simple guidelines are adhered
to, It can be a very productive
choice of programming language.
Here are some suggestions which
you can follow and build on.
m Development tools -
Make sure that you are
using the right software and utilities.
I recommend Hisoft's excellent
DevPac 3, written to look and work
well under the 1.3 and 2.04 . It also
comes with the full 1.3 and 2.04
Include files as supplied by
Commodore and a powerful
monitor/debugging tool- Monam. It
also comes with a linker and other
utilities with a comprehensive
manual and after-sales support.
1 QQ Back-ups - This cannot
li/W possibly be stressed
enough. Regular and organised back-
ups of your code protects you
against unfortunate incidents with
your floppy or hard disks. It's so easy
to save files under the wrong
filename - in a puff of smoke your
10.000 line source code file can
miraculously become a copy of your
startup-sequence! It's good to use
automatic or timed back-ups if you
can, or save files under different
filenames. Back-up to a separate
place (another disk or partition)
regularly if you are working hard on
your software.
1 QQ Labels and comments -
X %J O Assembly language
programs are notoriously bad to
read. They are much longer than
programs in other languages due to
their simplicity. It is easy for even the
simplest utility to grow to over
several thousand lines. It is
important that you use sensible label
names and comment your code. The
illustration shows two identical
segments of code, one is well
commented and labelled. Which one
would you rather have written?
Labels such as Loopl. Loop2 Loop3
and so on are almost meaningless.
Document routines too. with input
and output parameters and the
registers that they corrupt.
1 Q yi Program organisation -
X 2/^ Structure your program. If
you can. separate your set-up and
close-down routines, such as
AllocateMemory and CloseLibraries.
Keep all routines and subroutines
specific to a particular subject
together. For instance, keep all your
set-up routines in one place. This
helps you to find your way round
large source files quickly. If you know
you need to check something in the
graphics routines, for example, you
ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING
know that they are together. It makes
debugging and development easier.
1 QCJ Correct Include flies -
X %J %J Use the correct Include
files. If you are writing Amiga
assembly language code, you will
need to use some of the Amiga
library routines. It is easy to pepper
the start of your programs with lines
such as "CloseLibrary = -414". This
is a bad thing to do. Use the official
Include files, this reduces the things
that can go wrong with your program,
and makes debugging easier. The
same applies to operating system
label names. Try to avoid having
tables of numbers at the start of your
program defining things such as
"CUSTOMSCREEN". Simply include
the correct files, and all of these
things are then defined for you.
1 Q /* Obey the rule* - This
X %J \J should be carved in stone
and stamped on the foreheads of all
Amiga developers. Commodore has
laid down a comprehensive set of
rules and guidelines for your Amiga
programming, designed to make your
programs more efficient and easier
to write. They are also designed for
future compatibility with improved
operating systems and video
hardware. The primary reason why
software (games, applications and
PD products) broke when
Commodore released Workbench
2.04 was because of people failing
to obey these rules. Commodore had
to spend additional time developing
Workbench 2 to minimize
incompatibilities. Amiga development
is on-going! Obey the rules now, and
your software will work on future
versions of the operating system.
1 QH Books and documentation
It/ I -I would recommend you
have at least one 68000 reference
manual, not specific to the Amiga,
talking about the 68000 series of
chips, and detailing the individual
instructions in the processor,
including descriptions of the
additional features present on the
68010. '020. '030 and '040.
Although the official Amiga
documentation is expensive, it is
worth its weight in gold. Programming
hints and guidelines are present in
the books, and are written by the
people who have developed the
operating system itself. The official
Amiga documentation will not teach
you how to program assembly
language, it will show you how to use
your assembly language skills to
their best on the Amiga system.
"I C\ Q Processor specific code -
lt/O Don't use it without
thought. This one should be under
the obey the rules tip, but I shall
detail a couple of things which you
200 TOP TIPS
should bear in mind when starting
developing 68000 assembly
language programs. Many 68000
programming manuals show how to
create delays by executing loops lots
of times. This is very bleak indeed,
as a delay routine that takes one
second under a 68000 may execute
in a millisecond on a 25Mhz 68030.
This is another of the reasons that
software which works fine on an
A500 fails to function on an Amiga
3000. Instead, create your timings in
a non processor-specific manor, such
as counting vertical blanking gaps, or
using the CIA timers (preferably with
the timer device, but if this is not
possible, remember to ask the
operating system for a CIA timer
before you simply use one!)
1 QQ Des, * n " Work out what
lt/I/ you are trying to do before
you do it! You may find yourself with
spaghetti code - which is worse with
assembly language programs than
with other languages. It's always a
good idea to sit down with a pen and
a piece of paper initially to scribble
down some ideas, possible screen
layouts and so on before committing
yourself to code. The same applies
to complex or long routines.
Sometimes it can lead you to
discover even better ways of doing
things that you would not have
thought about otherwise. Pseudo
code is also a good starting point,
see the third window in the screen
shot for an example. This is not real
code, and is not intended to run -
it's an easy way of getting the basic
gist of how a routine will work, and is
a good starting point for coding.
QAA Debugging - It's unlikely
M \J \J that you will be able to
write a bug-free Amiga application.
Debugging can be by far the longest
part of software development if your
program design and layout is not up
to scratch. If there is a fault in your
program, you need to isolate it.
Reduce the code you need to wade
through to the smallest possible
chunk. There are many ways of doing
this, you could step through your
entire program, or. more sensibly,
narrow it down by putting indicators
at certain points in the program so
you know how far the code got before
went wrong. These indicators can
range from the simplest, such as
flashing the screen a different colour,
to printing messages on the screen
saying things such as "I got to the
memory allocation routine OK", or "I
opened the serial device
successfully." If you have access to
another computer with a serial port,
you may like to refer to the section
on RomWack in the Amiga Libraries
book, as this can be helpful for
finding what went wrong after a
software failure (Guru meditation). QJ
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
41
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
In part two of this
introduction to
Prolog, Philip
Gladwin shows
you DCGs and cuts,
and naturally,
processes some
language. Plus:
part two of the
Route Finder
his month I'm going to
finish off the discussion of
Prolog's syntax by looking
at lists, and at controlling
backtracking. I'm also going to
sketch details on writing an English
language grammar, followed by
hints on navigating a node network
(that's roads and road junctions for
the Imaginative among you).
[M,S,T,S]
The list is the primary means of data
storage in Prolog. As SBProlog is
interpreted you don't have to worry
about which data types you are
using, so lists can be lists of
anything: numbers, mixed with atoms
and variables, or predicates, or other
lists - even empty lists. Lists are
indicated by the use of square
brackets:
[atom, 1234, foo (bar)..] -there
id a standard way to refer to them.
We say that a list has a head - the
first element in the list, and a tail,
which is a sublist made up of all the
other elements in the list. Figure 1
illustrates this.
How do lists work? Well, if you
want to add an element E to a list L
you push what is already in the list
into the tail, and insert the new
element in at the head: [EIL]. Simple.
Deleting an element from a list is a
little more complicated, and requires
code. There are two cases when
deleting an element from a list: if E
is the head of list L, the result after
deleting E is the tail of L. On the
other hand, if E is anywhere in the
tail, you should produce a tail with T
deleted from it. Look at some code
which does this:
delete (E, [E I Tail] -Tail) .
delete<E, [XITail] , [XINewTail]
):- delete(E,Tail,NewTail).
Try drawing out a trace of what
happens when you call it with the
query delete (a, [a,s,d] , Result).
(Hint - Result should = [a,d] ).
SBProlog comes with an
excellent set of library functions,
including plenty stuff for messing
about with lists. However, delete is
not one of them, so you may find the
above useful. The predicates built
into the interpreter are indicated in
the source code by beginning with a
'$'. The library predicates loaded by
the interpreter - in the same way
that it loads your source files - are
not labelled in the same way, but if
you can't find a definition of a
predicate in my code then it has to
be from the SBProlog library.
CUT!!
The Cut, (written as 'I ') is a
procedural directive used when you
are sure that the bit of proving you
have just done should not need to be
repeated, either because you know
the result to be true and further
backtracking would waste time, or
because if the first alternative is
wrong then you don't want any other
alternative to occur. It commits you
to the line of proof that you are
already on; If any of the goals on the
Figure 1: The main method of data
storage In Prolog... The Ust
[H/T]
X
r
i
For the list
[el, abc, pol(arg),Var}
H«l
T=[abc, pol(arg), Var]
[H/T]
For the list
rr
T*[]
right of the :- fail then you cannot try
another version of the goal to the left
of the :- . For example:
LINE la:- b,c,d,e.
LINE 2 a:- ff,o;,h.
LINE 3 b.
LINE 4 c.
LINE 5 c.
LINE 6 d:- x.
LINE 7 f .
In the normal path of execution,
calling the predicate a would make
Prolog try to prove it by stepping
through all the goals on Line 1 - so it
would call in turn predicates b.cd
and e. If all of these predicates
succeeded, the execution would stop
there, and a would be taken as
proven. If, as In this case, predicate
d failed, Prolog would begin to
backtrack. This is where it gets a
To load source file into Prolog you ask it to 'consult' it. There are two ways of
doing this at the I ?- prompt : type either consult (filename) . or use the
shortcut and type £f llename] . When it has looked at your code, run the
program by typing go. Enter one of the two types of query at the prompt:
"give me a route from <node> to <different node>"
"how do i get from <node to <dif ferent node>"
Enter the queries as they appear here - including all the lower case letters,
the quote marks, and the full stops, but substituting your preferred node in
between the angle brackets. About 30 seconds later you should have some
result. You can tell when Prolog has finished, because it will echo 'yes' or
'no', depending on your query's success, and return you to the I ?- prompt.
little complicated. The trace of
execution looks like this:
/ ?- a.
call a (line 1)
call b (Line 3, succeed)
call c (line 4, succeed)
call d (line 6)
call x (no x's, fall)
d falls
(backtrack)
retry c (line 5, succeed)
retry d (line 6)
call x (no x's, fall)
(backtrack)
retry c (no more c's)
(backtrack)
retry b (no more b's)
a falls
retry a (line 2)
call f (line 7, succeed)
call g (nog's, fall)
a falls
NO
I ?-
Now look what happens to
the same trace if you alter
the code by inserting a cut
in LINE 1:
NEWUNEla:- b, l,c,d,e.
The trace now looks like:
I ?- a.
call a (newline 1)
call b (Una 3, succeed)
call c (line 4, succeed)
call d (line 6)
' call x (no x's, fall)
d falls
(backtrack)
retry c (line 5, succeed)
retry d (line 6)
call x (no x's, fall)
(backtrack)
retry c (no more c's)
(can't backtrack past I)
a falls (I has committed you to
the first line, you are not
allowed to try any other a's, so
the call to a stops here.)
no.
I ?-
AND SO TO CODE
Look at the code you have been
supplied with this month: it is divided
up into four main sections. The first
predicate, go, is the controlling
predicate: you call this one to run the
program. The other three sections,
nip, lang and route preprocess your
input; parse your input, checking that
it is a question and extracting the
important information; and find the
shortest route between the two
nodes you have requested. Let's
look at the preprocessor first.
dbclear initialises the bits of
Prolog's internal database we're
going to be using later.
get_query/l takes the question
from the user, and breaks it up into
a list of words, prepare/ 1 takes
this list, checks that each of the
words is in the vocabulary (declared
in last month's code section), and
asserts the fact that the sentence
42
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
contains each word into the
database. Note that the character; is
to be read as 'OR'.
Moving to the first of the
predicates in the lang section; s/3,
let's sidestep for a moment to look
at an Artificial Intelligence type
formalism called a DCG, or definite
clause grammar. Take a look at
Figure 2. You'll recognise (if you read
the introduction to Al in AS 15) this
way of representing an English
sentence as a tree. The DCG is one
of the most efficient ways of doing
this, and it happens that using
Prolog is one of the best ways of
working a DCG. Assume that there is
a sentence stretching between the
beginning and the end of the list of
words passed as input to the DCG
(eg [hcw,do,i,go,from,aA,to,d)|.
According to the Prolog rules in the
Lang section, a sentence (S) is
until you are looking In the
vocabulary section to see if there is
such a thing as a determiner ('a',
'the') and a noun ('route') to
concatenate to make up an NP.
CRUEL (REAL) WORLD
The route finding section of the
program is simplicity itself after all
this - get_routea/4 finds all the
routes it can between the two nodes,
and f ind_shorte»t/3 finds the
length of each of them, and presents
you with the shortest. What else is
there? Well, of course, this is a
technique that only works on such a
small network. Using a full UK map
and finding every possible route
between Blackpool and Grimsby
would last longer than my lifetime. In
the real world you would throw in a
few heuhstics, such as working out a
way of preventing your route being
ure 2: Two sentences to Interrogate your program
VP
s\.
[give]
NPT
taught phrase
lew]
[a]
[route] TPrep Node DPrep Node
I I
[to) [X]
Ifrom]
m
Quest
Qadv
[how]
NPT
from
toY
legitimate if it can be proved that
there is a questioning verb phrase
(QVP) and a targeting noun phrase
(NPT) such that, when concatenated,
they equal the list given as input to
S/3. This is explicitly stated by this
extract of code:
■ <8, _•_>:-
Vrvp(WYT).
npt(NPT,_,_>,
$append(QVP,NPT, S) .
(The other S/3 rule allows another
sentence format to be used - you
can have as many sentence formats
as you like.) Of course, Prolog being
Prolog this process recurs and
recurs, and so a QVP exists if there
exists a Questioning Phrase (QP),
and a Vert), and they can be
concatenated together to form a
(JVP. Likewise for NPT. Note that the
NPT does something else which,
strictly isn't part of a language
parsing process: it uses the Target
and the Origin nodes for use in the
Route Section. This process of
definition and subdefinition occurs
longer than 2x the crow's flying route
between the two nodes. Or perhaps
making a classification of the types
of routes, and only using routes with
a fair percentage of A roads and
Motorways. Real Routefinder
systems use these methods, and
then some. The point is that Prolog
is a nifty way of prototyping your
ideas. SBProlog may not be a
serious development tool, but I've
used Prologs in the IBM world that
gave blistering performances and
could be used for real programming.
All we need is for an enterprising
someone to port one over... r.vt
7JOOOOOOOO
SHOPPING LIST
SBProlog
(Fish Disk 140)
available from PD Direct
(Disk PDU29a)
• 0782 715255
-£1.25
ROUTE FINDER DEMO PROGRAM PART 2
/• AMIGA SHOPPER ROUWJJDKR
DEMO PROGRAM PART 2
•/
90:- nip, I,
nl, print ('Mow finding -J
roue*. . . ' ) ,nl,
route,
route (R.L),
print ( 'The shortest routs is J
along road ssgassnts: '),
print (R),nl, printCThis routs J
is '), print U),
pr int ( ' mi lss long * ) , nl .
•NLP-
dbclear:- sbolish(db, 1),
abolish (target, 1) ,
abolish (origin, 1) ,
abolish (route. 2) .
get_query(Out) t-
printl 'Enter your Query: ')
(X).
(X. [],[]. Out) .
nip: -dbclm
g«t quary(Out), I,
print ( 'Parsing request
prepare (Out), I,
s (Out , Target , Origin) ,
assert (target (Target) )
assert (origin (Origin) )
prepared]).
prepare ( [HIT] t :-
word(H),
(T).
word(X)t-
UdetUX] >. assert (db(det([X]>) )>;
(oprep((X)), assert (db(oprep J
( (X] ) ) ) ) ;
(n( [XI ) ,a»sert<db(n< [X] ) ) ) ) 1
(pro ( [X] ), assert (db (pro ( [X] > ) ) ) ;
<qa ( [X] ) , assert < db < qa ( (X) ) ) ) ) ;
(tprep( [X] ),asssrt(db(tprep J
UX])))>!
(▼( CX] ) , assert ( db ( v { (X) ) ) ) ) J
( node ((X)), assert (db( node J
(IX)))))).
words ([], Mord , Carry , Out ): -
Srevaree (Word, Mordl > ,
nans <Mord2. Mordl) ,
9reverse((Mord2ICaxry],Out) .
words ( (33 IT], Mord, S, Out) :-
$reverse (Mord, Mordl ) ,
nana (Mord2 , Mordl ) ,
words(T, [] , lMord2|8] .Out) .
words! [HIT] , Mord, 8, Out) 1-
words(T, (HIMord],S,Out).
/•■
-LAMG-
Handles 2 types of queries:
"give me a routs to T frost X'
-how do i get frosi X to Y*.
np(MP):- db(det(DET>).
db(n(N>),
$append(DET,N,MP).
npt ( HPT , Target , Origin)
tp(HPT, Target, Origin) .
npt (HPT, Target , Origin)
np(HP),
tp (TP, Target , Origin) *
Sappend (HP, TP, MPT) .
opp(OPP.N):- db(oprep(
db(node(M))«
$append ( OPRXP , M , OPP ) .
qp<QF)t- db(qa(QA>),
db(v(V)),
$append(QA,V,QP).
qvp(QVP):- qp(QP).
- J
>>.
vp(VP),
Sappend ( QP , VP , QVP ) .
s (8, Target, Origin) :-
*P(VP),
npt (MPT, Target, Origin),
l(VP,NPT,8).
■ (S, Target, Origin) :-
qvp(QVP),
npt (NPT, Target, Origin) ,
l(QVP,NPT,8).
tp(TP, Target, Origin) :-
tpp (TPP , Target ) ,
opplOPP, Origin) ,
Sappend (TPP, OPP, TP) .
tp(TP, Target. Origin) 1-
opp (OPP, Origin),
tpp (TPP, Target),
Sappend (OPP. TPP, TP) .
tpp(TPP,M)i- db(tprep(
db(node(N) ),
(append (TPREP, N, TPP) .
vp(VP)i- db(v(V)),
db(pro(P)),
$append(V,P,VP).
vp(VP):- db(pro(P)),
db(v(V)),
$append(P,V,VP).
)).
-ROOTS
exists_route(Snd, End, Route, Route)
lata route (Start. End, List. -J
Route) 1-
■ road (Seg, Start, Midway, > ;
road (Seg, Midway, Start, _)),
not Smasher (Seg, List),
exi at a rout a (Midway, End, J
[Seg I List], Route).
(H,[H|_].Pos,Pos).
■IX, (HIT],Pos,Out):-
Hewpos Is Poa * 1,
find _poa(X,T,Newpoa, Out) .
find_ shortest (Routes, Routs, Len) 1- |
sua(Routes, [] .Totals),
sort (Totals, (Shortest |_] ) ,
find pos (Shortest .Totals, 1, .
S reverse (Routes, Routeel) ,
Snthmember (Routel, Routesl, J
Number),
total (Routel, , Len) ,
$reverse(Routel, Route) .
get routes ( Start , Bad. Routes, J
Out):-
exi at a route (Start, End, [), Route),
not taasaber (Route, Routes),
get routes (Start, End, [Route J
t Routes], Out).
get_routes (Start, End, Routes, J
Rout eat .
route i* J
origin ([Start] ), target ( [End] ),
get. routes (Start, End, [], Routes),
find short eat (Routes, Route, Len) ,
assert (route (Route, Len)) .
suaMM.Out.Out).
susi([HIT),Begin.Out):-
total'H.O, Total),
i(T, (Total I Begin] , Out ) .
total ( (] .Out, Out) .
total ( [H I T) , Running. Out ) :
road(H._,_,X),
Carry is Running + X,
total(T,Carry,Out).
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
43
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The third part in Philip Gladwin's
series helping you to give your
Amiga a smidgen of Al
ast month I gave you the
concepts you need to handle
single processing nodes -
this month we're going to
use these concepts and begin to
connect them together Into the
neural network shown In Figure 1.
We're going to use nodes which
have four output channels and four
primary input channels; notice how
they send their output directly into
the input channels of their four
nearest neighbours. Notice also how
the net wraps around, so that the
nodes on the outside of the net take
some of their input from the nodes
on the other side of the net. Figure 2
gives the complete look-up table tor
the net when it is in a state of
complete ignorance. Each node
starts off with undefined output; this
alters when we teach the net
anything.
How do we do this? OK - let's
start off by giving the net information
about the letters "C" and "K". To
teach the net the pattern for "C",
assume that nodes 1,2,3,4,7,8,9
put out a 1, and nodes 5 and 6 put
out a 0. Then, for every node, look at
its input pattern, and find the column
In the look-up table which corre-
sponds to it. If the node is outputting
a '1' change the '?' to a '1'; if it is
putting out a '0', change it to '0'.
Repeat this for the letter "K*.
When you have done this the
look-up table should look like the top
half of the table in Figure 3. Now
generalise the net's memory. You do
INPUTS & OUTPUTS
NODE
Figure 1 : Nine node neural net
The next step up in network complexity would be to allow the connections
between the nodes to have strengths, or weights, between -1 and 0. This
simulates the fact that in the human brain there are some inputs which
inniDii tne firing or the node, ana some that excite its firing. A node, in
deciding whether or not to fire, will sum Its inputs and apply some sort of
function to the total. This function can be a simple thresh-holding (fire if the
sum of the inputs is greater than 0) or something much more complicated.
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
INPUT 3
INPUT 4
N0DE1
: NODE 2
I NODE 3
NODE 4
NODE 5
NODE 6
NODE 7
NODE 8
NODE 9
1 1
110
10 10
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
01111111
100001111
100110011
101010101
? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ?
? ? ? ?
all ?s
Input 2
Input 1
Figure 2: Look-up table for a 9-node net
before learning
Input 3
Input 4
COLUMN
12 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 1
NODE 1
1? ? ? ? ? ? ?
??????1?
1
NODE 2
? ? ? ? ? ? ?
????0??1
?
NODE 3
? ? ? ? ? ? 1
???????1
?
NODE 4
? ? ? ? ? 1 ?
1???????
?
NODE 5
? ? ? ? ? ? ?
?1????0?
?
NODE 6
? ? ? ? ? ? ?
0???????
NODE 7
? ? ? ? ? ? ?
??????1?
1
NODE 8
? ? ? ? ? ? ?
????1??0
?
NODE 9
? ? ? 1 ? ? ?
????1???
?
ungenerallsed outputs for 'C and 'K'
NODE1
11111 11
11111111
1
NODE 2
? ? 1 ? 1
??0?01?1
?
! NODE 3
11111 11
11111111
1
! NODE 4
11111 11
11111111
1
NODE 5
1 ? 1 ? ? ?
01?1??0?
NODE 6
00000000
NODE 7
11111 11
11111111
1
NODE 8
? 1 ? 1 ?
??1?10?0
?
NODE 9
11111 11
11111111
1
generalised outputs for C and 'K' - nodes 1,3,4,1 and 9 always output 1.
and node 6 always outputs
Figure 3: Completed look-up table for a 9
node net learning *C"
and K f
this by allocating as many as
possible of the remaining ?*s to
their nearest Hamming neighbour.
(See last month's article if you're
confused by this.) When you've done
this you should have the second,
usable version of the table, ie the
net has been taught two patterns.
From now on the net is ready to
use. So. put the net into operational
mode by switching the Teaching
Input on each node from 1 to 0, and
you're ready to test its knowledge.
The point about neural nets is
not that they work or they don't - like
the brain they are modelled on, they
have a performance gradient. They
can sort of half work, or work most of
the time. This net is no exception,
and it performs best on pattern
completion problems where the
pattern is close to one or the other
of the patterns it has been taught.
Where the test pattern has a
Hamming distance towards the
midpoint of the two taught patterns
then the net can get confused.
Operating the net is dead easy.
Type it all in, and get it to pass the
AMOS internal syntax check. The
printed code shown is the code
which runs on my Amiga, so if you
have problems, check your typing.
The first screen teaches the net
the patterns you want it to know.
Clicking on the grid switches nodes
on and off. When you're happy with
the pattern, click on "Pattern OK" to
make the net accept your pattern,
and clear grid for the next instruction.
Teach the net the letter T, and
repeat this for the letter 'H\ When
the net has accepted both patterns
click on the "Use Net" button. You
will then see a screen with two
separate grids. The grid on the left is
the test grid, where you enter the
patterns you want the net to identify.
Try it - click on nodes (1,3.5 and 8)
and click on the "Go" button. The net
will identify that partial image as
being closest to a T. Click on
"Clear", and try it again, with nodes
(1,2,3,4.6.7 and 9). This time the
net settles on an 'H'.
It shouldn't take you long to
realise that the net can settle into
strange loops and cycles. Next
month I'll be closing the series with
an explanation of why this is. ©
44
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AMOS NEURAL NET PART 2 • AMOS NEURAL NET PART 2 • AMOS NEURAL NET PART 2
Procedure GENERALISE
Pen 3 : Locate 5,5 : Print
"Learning . . . . " i Pan 2
11-31 | jj-101 : KK-32 : LL-104
Por NODE-1 To 9 i Ram For avary node
Por T-l To 16 : Rem Oat avary J
untaught col
If OUTPUTS (NODE, T) -9
SHORTEST [NODE, T, 1] : Ran J
find the shortest 1 diat
X- Pa ram
SHORTEST [NODE, T, 01 i Ran J
find the shortest diat
▼■Par am
If X<Y i Rem if closer to J
1- taught ■
.OUTPUTS ( NODE , T ) -1
End If
If X>Y : Ran if closer to J
0- taught •
GEN^OUTPUTS ( NODE , T ) -
End If
Rnd If
Ink 1 : Bar II, JJ To kk,ll
inc KK i ink 2
Next T
Next NODE
End Proc
i
Procedure INIT
Randomize Timer
Reserve Zona 25 : Curs Off i J
Ink 3 i Cls i Paper
DESCRIBE_NET
SET_TRUTH_TABLB
End Proc
Procedure LEARN
LEARN_SCREEN
CELLS
and Proc
Procedure LEARN SCREEN
!LD_ZONES[36, 36, 126, 126, 1, 3, 3]
BUILD_ZONES[36,146,126,166,10,1,1]
BUILD_ZONBS[36, 178, 126, 198, 11, 1, 1]
Locate 13,0 : Print "TEACH MODE"
Locate 5,19 i Print "Pattern OK"
Locate 7,23 : Print "Use Nat-
End Proc
Procedure PBAR[N0D1.K1
Ink K
On NODE Goto A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I
Ai Bar 37,37 To 65,65 : Goto LEAVE
Bi Bar 67,37 To 95,65 : Goto LEAVE
Ci Bar 97.37 To 125.65 : Goto LEAVE
Di BOX 37,67 To 65,95 : Goto LEAVE
It Bar 67,67 To 95,95 : Goto LEAVE
P: Bar 97,67 To 125,95 : Goto LEAVE
Gi Bar 37,97 To 65,125 : Goto LEAVE
H: Bar 67,97 To 95,125 : Goto LEAVE
Ii Bar 97,97 To 125,125
End Proc
Procedure PPBARINODE, K]
Ink K
On NODE Goto A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I
A: Bar 157,37 To 185,65 i Goto LEAVE
B: Bar 187,37 To 215,65 : Goto LEAVE
C: Bar 217,37 To 245,65 I Goto LEAVE
D: Bar 157,67 To 185,95 : Goto LEAVE
E: Bar 187,67 To 215,95 t Goto LEAVE
P: Bar 217,67 To 245,95 : Goto LEAVE
G: Bar 157,97 To 185,125 : Goto LEAVE
B: Bar 187,97 To 215,125 I Goto LEAVE
I: Bar 217,97 To 245,125
LEAVE:
End Proc
Procedure SITTRUTHTABLl
Por 1-1 To 4
Reatora 1*100
Por J-l To 16
Read TRUTH_TABLE(I,J)
Next J
Next I
100 Data
0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1 : J
Rem top neighbour
200 Data
0,0,0,0,1,1,1,1,0,0,0,0,1,1,1,1 i J
Rem right neighbour
300 Data
0,0,1,1,0,0,1,1,0,0,1,1,0,0,1,1 : Rem
bottom neighbour
400 Data J
0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1 i -J
Ram left neighbours
End Proc
i
Procedure SHORTEST [NODE, COL, TYPE]
HAMMING-4
For 1-1 To 16
STORE- 4
If C0LOI
If OUTPUTS {NODE, I) -TYPE
If
TRUTHJTABLE (1,1) -TRUTH_TABLE ( 1 , COL )
Dec STORE
End If
If J
TRUTH_TABLE (2,1) «TRUTH_TABLB ( 2 , COL )
Dec STORE
End If
If
TRUTH_TABLE (3,1) -TRUTHJTABLE ( 3 , COL)
Dae STORE
End If
If J
TRUTH .TABLE (4,1) -TRUTH .TABLE ( 4 , COL)
Dae STORE
End If
End If
If STORE < HAMMING
HAMMING-STORE
End If
End If
Next I
End Proc [HAMMING]
i
Procedure TEACH
' Finds out which row in the J
truth table the node
' should occupy by referring to J
its neighbours and finding
1 which of them are on
For C-l To 4 : Ran for every J
node get the neighbours
X-CONNECTBD(N,C) I Ram X - J
this node's current neighbour
If node(X)-1 Than J
NElGHBOURS(N,C)-l : Ram if neighbour J
on then . . .
If NODE(X)«0 Than J
NEIGHBOURS (N,C)-0 i Ran
Next C
FIND_TT_COL[N]
COL-Param
OUTPUTS (N, COL ) -NODE (N)
GEN OUTPUTS ( N , COL) -NODE ( N )
TEMP(N,C0L)-1
Next N
ALLOCATE
End Proc
*
Procedure USE
Shared CLICKED ()
Do
Cls
USER_SCR£EN
USKR_PATTERN
Repeat
CLCK -Mouse Click : J
ZON-Mouse Zone
DELVE
Until (CLCK-1 and ZON-11) orJ
(CLCK-1 and ZON-12)
If ZON-12 Than Edit
CLEAR_GRID
For 1-1 TO 9
NODE(I)-9
Next I
Loop
End Proc
Procedure USER PATTERN
Shared CLICKED ()
Repeat : Rem this loop gets the J
pattern from the uaar
CLCK-Mouse Click : ZON-Mouse Zone
If CLCK-1 and ZON<10 and ZON>0 J
Then CLICK [ZON]
Until (CLCK-1 and ZON-10) or (CLCK-1 J
and ZON-12)
If ZON-12 Than Edit i Ran option J
to quit
Por 1-1 To 9 t Ram this loop puta J
the user pattern into Node (J
If CLICKED(I)«1 Than NODE(I)-l
If CLICKED(I)-0 Then NODBU)-0
Next I
End Proc
*
Procedure U8BR_SCREBN
Reset Zone
BUILD ZONES [36, 36, 126, 126, 1,3, 3]
BUILD_ZONBS[156,36,246,126,12,3,3]
BUILD ZONES £ 106 , 146, 176, 196, 10, 3, 1]
Locate 14,0 i Print "USE MODE"
Locate 17,19 : Print "Go"
Locate 15,21 : Print "Clear"
Locate 16,23 : Print "Quit"
Proc
' End Neural Net Program
For N-l To 9 : Rem for every node
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992 *E
COMPUTER
SUPPLIES
Suppliers of Discount SoJIirare since 1984
Educational, Local Authority and government orders
welcome. European orders please call or write for a
quotation. AH goods subject to availability, prices subject
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Prices include VAT and delivery by post.
Courier delivery available on request.
Please allow 5 days for cheque clearance.
TO ORDER: Credit card orders can be
placed by calling the telephone number
below - or send a cheque/PO's made
out to MJC Supplies to:
MJC SUPPLIES (ASH)
Unit 2 The Arches, Icknield Way,
Letchworth, Herts. SG6 1UJ.
Tel: (0462) 481166 (6 lines)
NAKSHA UPGRADE MOUSE
280 DPI quality replacement mouse - pack includes
Mouse House, Mat and Operation Stealth game.
MJC PRICE £21.95
NEW - A50O PLUS 1Mb Expansion
1Mb expansion for the A500 Plus - fits in the trapdoor
taking your memory to 2Mb ■ no internal fitting
MJC PRICE C39.95
SUPRA 500RX EXPANSIONS
New memory expansion for the A500 -
plugs directly into the HD expansion port -
NO INTERNAL CONNECTION
SUPRA 500 RX 1 Mb (expand to 2Mb) £99.00
SUPRA 500 RX 2Mb (expand to 8Mb) £145.00
SUPRA 500 RX 4Mb (expand to 8Mb) £209.00
NEW - ROBOSHIFT
Auto sensing joystick/mouse switcl
MJC PRICE £13.95
oox.
CUMANA CAX 354 DISK DRIVE
Quatrty brand name 3.5' second drive includes thru
port, disable switch and FREE Virus X Utility
MJC PRICE £54.95
NEW ROCLITE RF382C DISK DRIVE
New super slimline, super quiet second drive.
MJC PRICE £57.95 (cream only)
FUN SCHOOL
probably the best selling Educational Software for the
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Fun School 2 -
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Fun School 2
Fun School 2
Fun School 3 •
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Fun School 3
Fun School 3
8 programs per pack
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NEW • Fun School 4 - 6 programs per pack
Fun School 4 under 5 £16.95
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GVP PRODUCTS
features
on board Ram expansion to 4/8Mb with high speed
Faastrom controller. Autobootng, includes excellent easy
to use installation software.
MJC PRICE £349.95
QVP 286 PC EMULATOR; for use with the A500
Hard Drrve. 286 speed running at 16Mhz.
MJC PRICE C229.95
OVP 9 II Hard Drive (A1500/2000): Quality
Quantum drives running as fast as 1 1ms plus the excellent
GVP controller board, with the ability to add up to 8Mb
memory (SIMMS).
52Mb version £279.95
NEW • 120Mb version £419.95
SIMM MODULES - £59.95 per 2 meg
SUPRA A1 500/2000 MEMORY BOARDS
SUPRARAM memory cards with space for up to 8Mb
SUPRARAM with 2Mb fitted £145.00
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SUPRARAM with 6Mb fitted £255.00
SUPRARAM with 8Mb fitted £295.00
Kind Words 3 - Due soon CALL
PenPal £54.95
WORDWURTHvl.1 Genuine UK version £74.95
PROTEXT - VERSION 5.5
Latest version of this best selling word processor for
those wanting serious processing power, includes
new 1 10 000 word dictionary and Thesaurus (1 meg)
MJC PRICE £99.95
PROTEXT V4.3 • new low price £39.95
PRODATA V1 .2 Amiga £84.95
NEW - ACTION REPLAY III
MJC PRICE £57.95
| MISCELLANEOUS
£29.95
£29.95
£19.95
£22.95
£34.95
£36.95
£59.95
£47.95
£69.95
All Fun School programs will work with a standard
512k Amiga and the new A500 Plus.
AMIGA EDUCATIONAL
KOSMOS Answerback Junior Quiz -
includes 750 general knowledge questions
and a game reward £14.95
Answerback Senior Quiz -
as above but for age 12-
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Facttilts - add-on question packs for the Answerback
(NIc
Factfile Spelling (6-11) £7.95
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KOSMOS Language Tutors: with a vocabulary of over
2500 words + the ability to add your own - up to GCSE
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French Mistress £14.95
German Master £14.95
Spanish Tutor £14.95
Italian Tutor £14.95
KOSMOS Maths Adventure: The latest offering from
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series of four games. There are four difficulty levels
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out. (6-14) £17.95
ROMBO PRODUCTS
NEW - TAKE 2
New Animation package from Rombo
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VIDI COLOUR SOLUTION
Vidi Colour package - including Vidi Digitiser, Vidichrome
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MJC PRICE C49.93
RGB SPLITTER - for use with Vidichrome
or Dtgiview (includes PSU)
MJC PRICE C49.95
COMPLETE COLOUR SOLUTION
Package includes Vidi Amiga, Vidichrome and the RGB
Splitter for a complete colour digitising outfit.
NOTE: For best colour pictures you require a video
camera or perfect soil frame VCR.
MJC PRICE C99.9S
Comp Col Solution * Tako 2. MJC PRICE C1 29.95
Rombo prices held whilst stocks last.
NEW - MEGAMIX MASTER
New Stereo sampler and digital effects package.
MJC PRICE C28.9S
ROMBO prices held whilst stocks last.
VIDEO TITLING/PRESENTATION
Big Alternative Scroller £42.95
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Broadcast Font Pack £89.95
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ROCTEC ROCGEN GENLOCK
Budget priced genlock, includes fader.
MJC PRICE C89.95
AMOS - The Creator
NEW - EASY AMOS - Powerful but easy. ..£25.95
AMOS VI. 2 - The original Language £32.95
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MATHS 11/12:
Covers geometry, algebra, statistics symmetry, quadrilat-
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Further information on our Educational range is available in our Educational Supplement - on request
LCL SOFTWARE
Primary Maths Course (3-12) £19.95
Micro Maths (GCSE level) £19.95
Mnrro French {GCSE level) £19.95
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Reading and Writing Course (3+) £19.95
MEW - MEET A01 1
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ENGLISH 11/12:
Features pronouns, verbs, adverbs, spelling, synonyms,
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ENGLISH 12/13:
Using dictionaries and reference books, construct
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VISA
CONTENTS
AT-A-GLANCE
Accelerator
Action Replay cartridge 54
AmlgaDOS 52
AMOS 52
Animation 62, 66
MrfOXX n. i (l .Do
Art Department 54, 67
Audio Engineer. 54
Audio fitter 64
Basic 52, 62, 66
Brother printer 68
C 53, 54, 65
Canon printer 65
CD-ROM 63
Chip RAM 53, 68
Citizen printer ...64, 67
Commodore printer 53
Database 52, 65
Deluxe Paint 54, 62
Denlse 65, 67
Exponentials 63
nicker fixer 67
Fountain 67
Hard drive 53, 54, 62, 63
Include flies 53
Klckstart 64, 67
Mac 68
Mannesman printer 63
Memory expansion 53, 54, 65
MesaySID 68
Mlcrovrtec monitor 63
NoPalRoaat 68
PageStream 64, 67
Partitions 62
PC 54,68
PC monitor 66
Prlntf 54
Protext 65
Rambrandt
Requesters
Sampler 54
Selkosha printer
SID
Star printer 52, 53. 54, 64, 65
TechnoSound Turbo 54
Trackball
OUR EXPERTS TACKLE YOUR REAL-LIFE PROBLEMS
ALL OF YOUR AMIGA
PROBLEMS ANSWERED
SO WHAT DO ALL THOSE ICONS MEAN?
Beginners:
this icon
will appear
next to any
questions which are
'basic' in content.
Printers:
this icon
denotes a
query
about printers, printer
drivers and so on.
B General:
this icon is
used for
any
general Amiga-related
queries.
Technical:
any
queries
about
programming will have
this icon next to them.
Caution:
be sure
that you
fully
understand the answer
before trying it out.
*
Video: this
icon
relates to
any query
about using your Amiga
with video hardware.
Danger:
the answer
to this
question
could well invalidate
your warranty - or you!
Music: this
icon is for
questions
about
MIDI, sampling,
synthesizers and so on.
Y f% Hardware:
W ^d this icon is
PT m used to
mm M denote
questions relating to
general hardware.
Programs:
any
program-
specific
queries have this icon
next to them.
Buying
advice: we
use this
icon if the
question asks us for
buying advice.
Comms: if
r\ 1 your
question
^^^J relates to
comms. this Is the icon
that we'll use.
WHATEVER YOUR PROBLEM WITH THE
That's the task we have set ourselves In giving you the best
possible support for your Amiga. We are confident that our experts
can cope with any technical questions you can throw at them. If
they don't already know the answer to your problem, they will find it
out for you.
We are prepared to deal with any problem you have with the
Amiga, from general enquiries about AmlgaDOS or Workbench,
through questions about specific pieces of software and hardware,
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Send your question on the form below to: Amiga Answers, Amiga
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AMIGA, WE ARE HERE TO SOLVE IT
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editor Cliff Ramshaw. We will also be calling on the services of all
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Each panelist will be dealing with queries In their own specialist
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and update every month, so you will know who to write to about any
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Mick Draycott -
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Mark Smiddy-
Jason Hoi born -
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Video
Programming, music
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If you send in a question for the Amiga Answers experts, please fill
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all the relevant details - version numbers of software and so on -
so that we have the best chance of helping you. Send your form and
question to: Amiga Answers, Amiga Shopper, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath
BA1 2BW. Sorry, but we cannot personally reply to any questions - even
if you include an SAE.
Name:
Hard disk:
Mb as DH : Manufacturer
Extra RAM fitted - type, size In Mb and manufacturer
Details of any other hardware which could help us to answer your question:
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Now, use this space to describe your problem, Including as much relevant
Information as possible. Please continue on a separate sheet If necessary.
Your machine:
A500 J A10O0 ^
A2000 □ A3000Q
Approximate age of machine:
A1500.J
Klckstart version (displayed at the Insert Workbench' prompt)
1.2 □ 1.3 □ 2.x □
Workbench revision (written on the Workbench disk)
1.2 □ 1.3 □ 1.3.2 Q 2.x □
PCB revision (If known). Do not take you machine apart Just to look
for this!
Total memory fitted (see AVAIL in Shell for 1.3 Workbench)
Chip memory available (see AVAIL in Shell)
Agnus chip (If known)
Extra drive #1 (3.5"/5.25") as DF_: Manufacturer
Extra drive #2 (3.5"/5.25") as DF_: Manufacturer
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AS 16 i
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48
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
CO*
I
TEL: 0532 637988
FAX: 0532 637689
NEW OPENING HOURS west Yorkshires premiere
OPEN MON - SAT 9.30AM-5.30PM AMIGA AND ATARI COMPUTER STORE
SUNDAY OPENING 1 1 .00AM-3.00PM AUTHORISED DEALERS FOR STAR, CITIZEN,
THURSDAY NIGHT LATE 9.30AM-7.30PM COMMODORE, ACORN, ROMBO & PHOENIX
The Atew AMIGA A600
Commodore's new computer/games machine. Built in keyboard and
compact in size the A600 will take "Smart Cards". The A600 comes
with 1 2 month on «ite warranty, workbench 2.05, Dpaint III and
Lemming*.
now only £359.99
The New AMIGA A600HD
Same spec as the A600 but with a built m 20 meg hard disk for those
games that run better on a hard disk. We shall be offering larger hard
drive upgrade* for the A600. Please ring for details and prices The
600HD dogs not come with Lemmings or DPamt III
now only £459.99
THE AMIGA A500 PLUS
CARTOON CLASSICS
MO
ORS
The ASOO has more lerloui capability than the
A600 with it greater expandlblllty and a large
selection of high quality third party Add-ons
Complete with:
• One Mb of chip RAM expandible to 1 Mb or RAM In total
• The new Kickstart 2-04
• Workbench 2.04
• Built in battery backed real time clock
• New improved user friendly manuals
Thus pack also comes with Lemmings, (the only game ever to fet ■
100% rung'] The Simpsons. Captain Planet »nd Deluxe Paint J
the incredible paint and animation package plui mouse and modulator
now only £339.99//
or £374.99 for 2Mb version
THE AMIGA 1500 & 2000 PLUS
The New AMIGA
2000 Plus Base pack
now complete with the latest 2.04
Kickstart chip and Workbench 2.04 11
The 2000 Base pack is the ideal upgrade machine for those wanting
to upgrade from thetr present Amiga 500
only £529.99
Amiga 1 500 Plus Business &
Entertainment Software pack
The same spec as the base pack but with Deluxe Paint 3. Platinum Works
(the best integrated package available for the Amiga), Home Accounts,
Puzznic EK. Toki plus the latest Amiga Format Tips book (2-04 compatible)
and Joystick.
now only £549.99
or £769.99
with 1 085 SDI colour monitor (UK Spec.) I on 'y ^ ' 9.99 UK Spec
All our monitors are UK spec
All monitors come complete
with a free Amiga lead
WARNING; Belore /ou purthaw i monitor rrafct
• it has ■ full UK ipeclfication. You mifht be
buying what you Think u * tJmilar monitor at a lower
price but It tt Ukely to be i "GMT import Then
monitor* do not comply with BrttHh talety *t*nd
*rd> And are not comtd by an officii! warranty
Protar Stereo
colour monitor
This monitor uses the same tube at x he PM*pt 883 3
MK2 and has a similar specification The Prour
cores with a full I 2 month replacement guar-
antee. This must be the best value medium res
monitor on the market Amiga cable Included.
Tilt and swivel stand only C I I .** when pur-
chased with this monitor. Cover only £S.»9
only £195.99 uk spec
Commodore
1 085 SDI Stereo
Colour monitor
The perfect complement to your Anuja system Thu
Colour stereo monitor features 5 1 dot pttch reioki-
Don and green screen facJtty Amiga cable In-
cluded- Tilt and swivel sand only 1 1 1 .ft when
purchased with this monitor Cover for moni-
tor only iS.tf
THE AMIGA A500 & 1500/2000
Rl
The AMIGA 500 Deluxe
Is an uprated version of the A500 Plus with the Phoenix ROM sharer
and 1 .3 chip because some older software will not run on the A500
Plus. The ASOO Deluxe has been developed so you can choose to run
either Kickstart I J or 2.04 making incompatibility problems a
thing of the pa$t ! The Deluxe also Comes complete with the
Cartoon Classics software pack,
only £4 1 4.99 or £449.99
for 2 Mb version
The Amiga 1 500 Deluxe is an advanced
version of the standard AMIGA 1500 Plus
incorporating the famous Phoenix ROM sharer and I 3 Kickstart ROM chip,
As with the A500 Deluxe, this enables you to twitch between the old and
new operating system to accommodate older software that can only run on
the 1 .3 operating system.
Ollly tJJ/f/V for base pack version or
l6w7*T7 for the 1500 software pack version
Philips CM8833 MK2
stereo colour monitor
Colour iureo monitor. 600*285 line rttolut»or
green vcreen facility, one years on tlte mainte-
nance, cable for Amiga Included. Tilt and
swivel stand only (II. ft when purchased
with monitor. Cover only IS ft
only £219.99 uk spec
with FI9 Flight Simulator
Philips Brilliance SVGA
Colour monitor
with overscon facility
GVP HARD DRIVES AND ACCELERATORS
AMIGA 1500/2000 Hard Drives
Impact Series II HC8+ Control card only £134.99
Impact Series II HC9+ with 52Mb Hard Drive £279.99
Impact Series II HC8+ with 1 20Mb Hard Drive £4 1 9.99
Impact Series II HC8+ with 240Mb Hard drive £639 99
Impact Series II HC8+ with 420Mb Hard drive £ I 169.99
AMIGA 1 500/2000 Accelerator Cards
G-Force 030-2SMHz with 1Mb 32 bit RAM £549.99
G-Force 030-40MHz with 4Mb 32 bit RAM £899.99
G-Force 030-$0MHz with 4Mb 32 bit RAM £ 1 269.99
G-Force 040-28MHz with 2Mb 32 bit RAM £ 1 699.99
AMIGAA500 HARD DRIVES
GVP Series II HD8+ 52Mb £354.99
GVP Series II HD8+ 105Mb £469.99
GVP Series II HD8+ 240Mb £734.99
GVP Combo Accelerator Series
for the AMIGA A500
A530 Combi 40MHz with 52Mb Hard Drive £699.99
A530 Combo 40MHz with 1 20Mb Hard Dnve £849.99
A530 Combo 40MHz with 240Mb Hard Drive £1039.99
68882 Co-Processor for A530 £234.99
GVP memory RAM modules
Series II RAM 8 RAM card for AMIGA 1 500/2000 with 2Mb £ 1 49.99
32 bit 60ns 1Mb SIMM for Accelerator cards £64.99
32 bit 60ns 4Mb SIMM for Accelerator cards £179 99
The Brilliance monitor has a h*|h quality Super
VGA resolution »d*il for malung your AMIGA
•nto a professional iystem (dudes overscan facu-
lty. 28 dot pttcivand tj^swrvel stand Monitor
cover only (S ** if purchased tt the same time
i5w version £399.99
with Flicker Free Video card
asoo version £499.99
Goldstar remote
control TV/monitor
superior to i uandard TV let with full 'tmoM control
now only £179.99
Commodore I960 multisync
only £436.99
I
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•
•Jill
010
FAX; 0532 637689
Free Delivery on all products/// $$
Commodore Dynamic Total vision
Complete with Hutchinson* Encyclopedia.
Lemmings and Welcome CD disk. COTV is a
powerlul media (or both entertainment and educa-
tion Capable of handling up to 540 Mb of data,
whole encyclopedias can be stored on just one
compact disc. The COTV is also a high quality audio
CD player We also stock a large range of CD TV
software all at discount prices
now only
£399.99 uk spec.
New CD Rom for the Amiga A500 || FIRST CHOICE PACK
The addon that every one has been waiting for. This high quality CO ROM
turns your amlga into a CDTV
only £279.99
New CDTV
keyboard
Effectively transforms your COTV into an Amiga
to you can get even more out of CDTV With the
aid of a standard 3 5" disc drive the CO TV will tike most
of the normal Amp software from word processing to
entertainment
only £49.99
New CDTV
Trackerball
complete with 2 joystick
ports, thii ii a must for
CDTV owners
only £74.99
Take the headache out erf buying a computer wtth our ever popular fIRST
CHOICE Pack. All the eMentiaU required (or the fiat time buyer Ideal for any
Amip and great vafua too*
Comprises:
* Top quality microswttched
Powerplay Cruiser joystick
* Mouse Mat . -* AA -*-.
* Dust cover only £29.99
* 10 Blank Disks
•Plus 3 Extra <*z*m***z99
gam
STAR PRINTERS
All Star printer* inC ribbons, (ree
ltd printer cable and 1 7 month
guarantee
The Star LC20
Replacing the famous LC 10, the LC20 is faster
at I80cps draft and 45 cps NLQ. It's also
quieter. The front pane* now has push button
operation replacing the old LCIO membrane
panel. Other spec is similar to LC 1 0.
now only £139.99//
New Star LC24-20
24 p*n quality at the pnee of many 9 pins. 2i0cpsdn- t L
fonts* LCD front display, Auto emutooon selection
only £199.99
Star LC24-200
Mono and colour 222 cps draft wd 67 cps LQ 10
resident fonts A4 Landscape printing
only £229.99 mono
or £289.99 colour
Star XB24-200 Colour
The choice of many profcmonal orpnenoons. this printer
100 cps LO 29k buffer e*p to lB9*u 4 super LQ tents
and 14 LQ fonts
now only £379.99
Star LC200
Colour 9 pin printer with B resident fonts and a high
ipeed of 22Scps draft and 4S cps m NLQ. A4 Landscape
printing
now only £199.99
THE STAR SJ48
BUBBLEJET
With Epson LQ and IBM Proprtnter emutooon The
SJ48 is a revolution *n printer technology The quality
Is almost is good as an expensive lase*" pnnter yet costs
less than many 24 pm printers. Portable m sac very
quiet, and faster than most dot matnx printers at 1 00
cps in LQ. Pnmer cable included
only £229.99
Auto sheetteeder £52.99
HEWLETT PACKARD
INKJETS
Star printer accessories : Dust coven from C4+99 Pnnter stand fust £7 99 when purchasing printer Mono ribbons from only £3.69
CITIZEN PRINTERS
AH Qtlzen primer* Inc frte printer cable
and come with a full 2 year warranty.'
The Citizen Swift 9
Colour
Unbeatable value colour printer. 4 resident fonts.
192 cps draft and 48 cps m NLQ. Highfy reconv
mended. This pnnter is also available in a wide
carnage ( 1 36 column) version
only £194.99 (80 col)
or £314.99 (136 col)
The New
Citizen 224
A replacement for the famous 1 24D. the 224 now
comes wtth the option to upgrade to a high
resolution colour pnnter. If you want 24 pin
quality, you want to print in colour if necessary
and you don't want to spend a fortune, the new
224 is an ideal solution. Using the same technol-
ogy as the Swift 24, the 224 is basically a cut down
version. 1 92 epi draft and 64 cpl letter quality with
3 built in fonts.
only £214.99 (mono)
or £244.99 (colour)
The New Citizen
Swift 24e and 24x
(What Micro Best Buy)
The best budget 24 pin printer
has just got better!
Thii must be the best 24 pin colour printer (or leu than
£300 8* buffer expandable to 40k, 216 cps drift. 72 cps
LQ and multdtfiguaJ too '
only £274.99 (80 col)
or £414.99 (136 col)
The HP Deskjet 500 printer aiiowt
you to create later |et quality without the cost
with 100 page auto sheet feeder, printer cable. J
pace /minute speed and
} year UK warranty
only £359.99
The HP Deskjet 500C
The famous desVjet 500 is now avadabk as a
colour pnnter W«h this pnnter you can get
stunning colour output at laser quality
now only £569.99
CANON BUBBLEJETS
Canon BJI0ex..£244.99
Canon BJ300...£379.99
Canon BJ330....£5 1 9.99
Citizen printer accessories : Mono ribbons only £4.99, Printer sunds £24.99. auto sheet feeders £85.00, semi auto sheet feeders only 111. 19 I *"- canon paintsbs are uk seic
SUPRA MODEMS Su P ra 2400 Plus
The .\ew super fast
Supra-Fax Modem
V.32 bis (1 4400 baud .'.'.')
Allows you to send and receive fa* messages
This new modem from Supra has fult 14400
baud capability Spec include* V.32bi&» V.32,
V 22bis. V22, V2I. MNP4-S, MNPtO <for cell
phone comms), V 42. V42bH. Class I A 2 com-
m.nd*. 9600' 14400 Group 3 Fa* Includes free
comrm software and modem cable
only £259.99
(up to 9600 BPS)
Even faster than the standard 2400 modem from Supra with auto dial and
auto receive 9600 bps Hayes compatible V4 2 B*s. MNP 5 and auto adjusting
facility to maximise transmission speeds. Spec includes V22 Includes free
modem cable and comms software"
only £129.99
Supra 2400
Get on line with this incredible value fast modem from Supra with auto dal
and auto receive. 2400 baud Hayes compatible. V22 BIS. Includes 're*
modem cable and comms software"
now only £79.99
EMULATORS
KCS Power board
Regarded as one of the best emulators on
the martet, th*i emulator fit* easily mto
the trap door and also acts as a RAM
upgrade H-ghry recommended
now only £179.99
Add £15.00 tor MS-DOS 4.01
A500 Plus compatible
KCS Amiga
I 500/2000 adaptor
only £59.99
New Commodore 386-20
This is a full PC 1I6-20SX Bndgeboard (not an emulator)
running.t.MliOMHi^ . £439.99
TheNewGVPI6MhzPC-286
pkjp no an neural rim Wc on the GVP Seres H HM+orGVr 1
ASM hard fee **ts
only £239.99
VORTEX AT Once Plus
emulator turns you' Anvp into an IBM AT compatible The
AT-Onee Plus can be teed to ether ffw AMIGA I $004000
or the asoo now with 1 6 Mhz clock speed/
£214.99
only
ACCESSO RIES
i Mr APAcrrv iockahl c dkx bov
socAPAcrrr lockable disk box
H CAPACITY STACKABLE BANX BO)
ISO CAPACITY STACKABLE POSSO BOX
AMIGA A400 DUST COVER J*l H
AMIGA tOO COVER O.M
t4"MONITORDUSTCOVER , , UH
1 2" MONITOR DUSTCOVER- H
AMIGA TO SCART MONITOR CABLES (IN
STD II METRE AMIGA PRINTER CABLE ..HW
MODEM AND NULL MODEM CABLES l» ••
HIGH QUAUTY AMIGA ASM CONTROL CENTRE
•4* «r»m*l diili 6irri »Ht(f , nwtfM & fOfMrfk poru, prtnrd KMl
ranmurtm. u«m vahiaMa ipua only £39.99
AMIGA SOUND
ENHANCER
By Omap rVqKti ths sound enhancer w> improve anp sowd
that ts payed tr^ougn your Amiga Hear the Amiga's sound Hce
you've never heard rt before'
only £32.99
[
2 Way Parallel port
sharer inc. cable
]
Many peripherals such as pnroers and scanners share the
Amiga parallel port causing [he user to hive to i »>*p between
the two. Solve this problem with the 2 way sharer bo*
only £17.99
ST
V
l-i
The Zy-Fi Stereo
System
The speakers are optimised with reflex
ported cabinets The 3 way system has
bass, mid range and treble drivers*
Complete wtth its own power supply the
ZyFi system can also be powered by
batter**
only £36.99
DISK DRIVES
New Roclite 3.5"
The new super shm Rocfate has recently received the best rev^rw tor
*sV
i drives m Anxga Format
only £59.99
Cumana 3.5"
I meg external drive The best name in disc drives now at a super
km poet Still the most reliable » A _ A »»
now only £53.99
Golden Image 3.5 Tracker
with built in LCD tracker d.iplay Qply (ZA 00
Now falter and easier to use. this superb word publisher from the writers of PenPal.
Witfi bmtt In outline fonts for top quality output, full f raphics import capability (IFF
and HAM). Features include Thesaurus, spelling checker and detector, automatic
hyphenation, insert date. ome. and page number, scale graphics to any size, crop
graphics, multiple columns layout, magnified and reduced page vtew. full post script
support and much more.
Highly Recommended Oflly £49.99
or £ 1 04.99 with Cumana 3.5" external drive
AMIGA RELEASE 2
UPGRADE KIT
Complete with:
Klcktcart 2.04 CHIP
Workbench 2.04. Install.
Fonts and Extras disks
full Commodore manual set
only £79.99
3D Ttit Animate now
Aeglt Sonu
**r*t * ■ '
PLATINUM WORKS plus home accounts"
As ^eccmmf^dec dj ^ommodor* *• Mm Tm tobvevwaf WM ■nMrUii^juCbLantsi
pactaya on &* A/ny k come* «e Ncrv Scrtae wp, iptl &+dw trenLrui, Aratpe I * T-ODa.
1 23" axrptfcei ic^wAhtt wrt 10 yipho) a dwataw. nfrways pr/*rg ucM> and comnxr^aoon i
iflfcwart f*j* tf* btfl ijiof Ofo Home Acqxro
only £44.99.'.'
DIGI-V1EWCOLO
The ntw complete graphic! creation
presentation package for your Amiga
Comei complete with the famous Digt-View
Go^d. Dlgt*Paiftt and Elan Performer
only £129.99
PAGESTREAM 2.2
The lateu ver»*on of this powerful DTP
package that we recommend Better than
alot of DTP packages on a PC and better
dun tno»t on a Mac
only £129.99
WORD WORTHVI. I
The latest *tn*or» d tf« hghfr KCh w rt
A 'sfWYG word pubfcther Come* with
multiple *ont», powerful theuuru. targe
*p*Jkhecke*. tpeech aynthcM
only £72.99
PENPAL.T4
Th** betT i#ll*ng word puWiher incorporate*
many features found only in a desk top pub-
uthcr Also includes an easy to use database
now only £53.99
New INTERSPREAD
Z I
Thi» new spreadsheet II highly recom*
tended at at a bargain price Features
nclude graphics presentation, and
advanced macros
only £24.99
New. completely re-written venion of
this Fast and Famous hard disk backup
utility Support* up to A disk drives.
vanib'e compression options and full
Macro and AREXX support The Best 1
only £39.
only l» »»
ti9.11
Art D»partm«ot Pro 2.1 £109.99
Amiga Vision £39 99
Amoi Creator £14.99
Amoi Compiler £22.99
Amoi 3D £27 99
Audio Engineer £149.99
Audio Miuif venion 4 £39.99
•roedceal Tiller only£!49 99
CronDoi X I 9.99
Dctua* Muilc Coitruction S«r..£S4.99
Deluie Pelnt 2 now only £4.99
Deluxe Paint 3.... now only £12.99
Deluae Peint 4 now only £57.99
Eaiy AMOS £24.99
EXPERT DRAW ONLY £49 99
EXPERT 4D JR ONLY £37.99
Flenldump printer utility .£31.99
DEVPAC 1 £S7.99
Oittant Sum £34.99
Final Accounts £29.99
GB Route Planner £29,99
Gold Disk Office .£44 99
CFA 4A4IC J i INTEMMT8R ONLY £19.99
Hi Sod Bask .£14.99
Home Accounts 2 .................£! 7 99
Imagine V2 £U9 99
Opus Directory .£39 9t
Pagesetter 2 OTP £42 99
Pi* male £39.99
Platinum »<ribeU w'p mc spell checker'
thetavrwi now ofljr £29.99
Pro Page professional V3 DTP..£I49.99
Prataxt 4.3 W/P now only £19 99
Pro Video Plus £119.99
Quarterback Toota only £44 99
Sequencer One ,£74.99
Smooth Talker £20.99
TURBO PRINT £49.99
Vi.ta £29 99
Vim Pro 1(2 Mb required) £69.99
Walt Disney Animator .£64.99
XCAD JD £16999
Xcopy Pro tnt hard**'* £31.99
SCANNERS
PANDAAL HANDSCANNER
On test oSfs scanner has proved to be the easiest and most elective scanner that w* have
used to date havinj compared n to most of the other major hand iOAften on the
market We are able to ofltr th*i hijh quality scanner at a fraction o* the normal coil
Complete with the lateit improved venton o' Daata-stan software this scanner n abie to
p*ck out text and graphics at up to 400 d p i »n real time Daau-stan enables you to easily
manipulate the image. Scans in real ome up to M grey walevldeatfor desk top publishing
and presentation.
now only £ 1 04.99 or £ I 1 9.99
with 2 way parallel switcher box
THE POWER SCANNER
Highryr?tedbyth«rev94miTtqndia.t^ W»th
bnght and sharp grey scale performance and flexible scanned image d<spUy man*pulaoon
options, this scanner must be rated as a best buyf Opoons rvctude Clean up. embolden.
resize and flip. HigWy recommended by the reviews!
only £94.99
DRAM & CUSTOM CHIPS
Kickstart 1 .3. ..£29. 99
Kickstart 2.04.£39.99
Fatter Agnes. .00. 99
Super Denese.O0.99
4 Mb by 9 Simms (for cvp>
only £114.99 each
I Mb by 4 ZIPS
ii med n Supn aovdi * IM »M ZIPSequilIMb
only £38.99 per Mb
256by4DRAM(DILs)
•deal (or A590 & Supra Hard drrvet plui many
other Anvja RAM applauont
I Mb by 4 DRAMS for Supra and
other RAM application*. I 27 99
QTY
4+ (5l2K)..now only £3.59
8+ (I Mb).. ..now only £3.39
16+ (2Mb)..now only £3.09
I Mb by 8 or 9 SIMM boards
now only £29.99
THE COMPLETE
COLOUR SOLUTION
1 a
IfH
t^J ^ *J
i$ <> *
pV
MICROBOTICS
ACCELERATORS
Ai official Wn *or Rombo, we are ab*e to offer
this txctllvK pitkije at a great pnee The tonv
plett colour solution come* with RGB ipiitte*
* ^-ija. Vidi Chrome, power supply ar*d
Photon Paint
now only £94.99
MEGAMIX MASTER
Th*s * i low cost S tut high spec sampler
that pKip into your printer port Special
effects include echo that can be added in
real time, fully muKitutung and easy to use.
only £29.99
from Rombo Features include load and save
from D Paint arumawn and IFF files Sup-
poru HAM iraph lcl Qn |y £44.99
I VIDIAMIGA
|^ quality digitizing Inc Vidi chrome
lourwng tohware
now only £59.99
RGB SPLITTER
EnMn rou to Coiour Dtpose m t sec-
ond RepUces red freen blue filter set
On be used with Dtp view or Rombo
products *****
now only £44.99
VXL30 25Mhz EC
only £239.99
VXL 30 40Mhz EC
only £369.99
68881 co-pro for above
only £79.99
2 Mb of 32 Bit RAM
(60ns)
only £214.99
8 Mb of 32 Bit RAM
(60ns) only £419.99
ROCTECMOUSE NAKSHAMOUSE
Th»s it an excellent high qual-
ity mouse for the Amiga, Fully
micro-twitched mouse. Excellent
value and highly recommended
only £13.99
Of £16*99 ^mwrnMlUMfr
This famous and best setting mouse
comes complete w*th Operation Stealth,
mouse mat, Solder and 2 year warrenty
Features include 290 DPI resolution dS*s
is still our most popular upgrade mouse
only £24.99
GENLOCKS RocgenPlus
Rocgen Genlock
with built in mode switch box and auto
pass thru function, the Rocgen repre-
sents excellent value 'or monc
only 99.99
with all the features of the standard
Rocgen Also includes dual control
for overlay and keyhole effects, ex-
tra RGB pass thru allowing real time
graph editing.
only £129.99
DISKS
jmMIGAA500PLUS
600 RAM MODULES
All our 3 S HKL%.f»r^^AaANT^gD FQRAUFET lMtandare
CERTIFIED !00% EftftQR f ftfc E double uded. double density
disks are of the highest quality in magnetic m#d*a and are
extensively used by duplicating houses
SUPRA RAM
d or the new A600
up to
QTY
SONV
BR AS D l D
I £4.99 £6.99
30....£ I 4.29 £ I 7.99
50 £21.99 £28.99
100. ...£39. 99 £54.99
200. ...£72. 99 £99.99
500 £169.99 n/a...
1000. .£339. 99 n/a..
Sony Branded disks come complete with labels
Disk Labels....500 now only £6.99
Disk Labels... 1 000 now only £9.99
These high qual't* RAM moduiM will take jour A$QC *"
2 Mb of chip RAM without invalidating your warranty,
ASOOP A600
Unpopulated only £1 6.99 £29.99
Populated to SI2K only £29.99 £39.99
Populated to I Mb only £39.99 £49.99
PHOENIX ROM SHARERS
Because tome older wftwirt Mill not run on the new 2 04 operttmg intern Phoenix
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MAIL ORDER ? WHY FIRST CHOICE ?
Order by telephone quoting your credit card
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Wolcomo onto moro to Amiga Answers, the
section of the magazine where we endeavour to
straighten out your hassles with that wonderful
but occasionally stubborn machine, the Amiga.
Every month w« devote more space and apply
more resources than any other Amiga magazine
to solving your problems. We receive something
like 100 queries a week, so the service Is
obviously appreciated.
It's my job to co-ordinate the whole thing:
Sorting through the questions and sending them
off to the relevant chappies for the kind of in-
depth answers you've come to expect; and
compiling them Into the lovingly crafted pages
which you see before you.
I call on a wide variety of expertise to make
sure you get the answers you need, which Is why
Amiga Antwors Is so successful. There's Mark
Smtddy, industry guru, AmlgaDOS-tamer and
business applications wizard; Jeff Walker,
probably the most knowledgeable Amiga desktop
publisher there Is; and Jason Holborn, long-time
AMOS explorer and PD sampler, as well as good
all-rounder (or should that be all round good
guy?).
If It's a question about video, then I'll pass It
on to Gary Whlteley, our professional
vldeographer for whom the word 'genlock' means
'mixing Amiga graphics with video for magical
results' and for whom the word 'snlpwlrral'
means nothing at all.
Programming queries are dealt with by Paul
Overaa, who's not afraid to code In any
language, and who doubles as a MIDI maestro to
solve your sequencing slip-ups.
Our hardware guru Is Jolyon Ralph. This man
knows Just about everything about disks, both
hard and floppy, and what he doesn't know about
memory he's probably forgotten. Communication
breakdowns are flxed-up by Phil Harris.
All In all, a formidable team, supplemented
by my own not Inconsiderable Amiga suss. Let's
face It, If we can't answer your question, It's
probably one of the Mysteries of the Universe.
This month we put yet more people In the
right direction for printer drivers - the most
common Amiga query there Is. We give Amiga
buying advice, explain the Intricacies of floating
point representation, partition a hard drive, and
detail the connection of several monitors.
The sound filter Is analysed, using requesters
from C is explained, and the delights of Denlse
are divulged, amongst numerous other things.
Don't forget to keep sending us those
problems - we thrive on theml
Cheers,
&#%»*>*««,
AMOS ANSWER
W a ^ As the Editor of
IJ\ I Vector, the
l^^^^J shareware disk
b^^^kJ magazine. I was
wondering whether It would be
possible to Include listings from
Amiga Shopper In a new section
devoted to AMOS. I am especially
Interested In using the 3D requester
routine by Chris Hurst and the Time
procedure by Francois Lionet.
Anon
Having checked with Andy (our
editor), you'll be pleased to learn
that he has given the big thumbs up.
Other readers should note however
that it is always a good idea to
contact a magazine before re-
publishing anything that appears In
print. Every single word that a
magazine publishes is copyrighted to
the author and the magazine in
question, so legal action could be
taken if someone re-publishes any
part of an article word for word
without the permission of the
publishing house in question. We're
pretty easy going on Amiga Shopper,
but we still like to know when
someone wants to re-publish any
part of the magazine. JH
BASIC PRINTING
Is It possible to
detect whether a
printer Is on-line from
Amiga Ba»le7
Frank Dyson
Elland
West Yorkshire
It is possible to detect errors when
writing to the PRT: device (whether
explicitly or by using LPRINT) and you
will find that having the printer off-
line will generate a normal Basic
type trappable error as this short
example will show:
ON ERROR OOTO TRAP
LPRINT H Juet a line of J
test text-
END
TRAP: PRINT "Sorry - J
printer is still not on line"
RESUME NEXT
If you run this program with the
printer disconnected you'll get, after
a short delay where nothing appears
to happen, a system requester
telling you that there is printer
trouble. If the requester is cancelled
without the fault being rectified then
the Basic error trap takes over and
in the case of the above example
the attempted LPRINT is cancelled, a
message telling the user that the
printer is still not on line appears,
and the program terminates. As far
as I know there Is no way to prevent
the system requester from appearing
but the error trap statements can, at
least, make sure the program takes
a suitable course of action, PAO
CROSS WITH FILO-DOS
HI have entered the
AmigaDOS database
on page 121 of
Amiga Shopper's May
edition but I can't get It to work. It
just says "Command:" at the
bottom and refuses to do anything
else. What Is going wrong?
Shane Lambert
Beverly
South Humberslde
I suspect you have misunderstood
the article. The AmigaDOS database
is constructed from several modules
which were serialised from issue 13
to 15. The Database listing you refer
to forms the main menu which calls
the individual modules. MS
TRACKBALL TROUBLE
Ml recently purchased
an Alpha Data TKB-
MT-A trackball from
Gastelner Techno-
logies. When the trackball Is
plugged-ln. my Nexus/Quantum
hard disk refuses to auto-boot,
although the system will boot from
floppy.
Can you please help? I am
capable of and willing to perform
the minor surgery of replacing leads
and/or connectors If this Is
necessary.
Graham Darlington
Halewood Village. Liverpool
I have never heard of dodgy
mice/trackballs crashing the Amiga.
I have heard of mice that have the
metal shielding on blowing up
Amigas by short circuiting the mouse
port (indeed I did this to my first
Amiga 2000 the week after I bought
it), but this is not the same thing.
I'd try replacing the trackball.
failing that, take your Amiga to a
repair centre and ask them to take a
look at your mouse port. JR
STAR FADES AWAY
^■^ ^ I have a problem with
r ^^P my Star LC24-10
r%^^S| printer. Parts of the
^^A\m printed text or
graphics are faded at the beginning
and end of some lines, more so with
graphics than text.
We've taken the printer back to
the shop, where it has supposedly
been repaired. It usually performs
better after a repair, but gets worse
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
Chip RAM - The area of the Amiga's memory directly accessible by the
custom graphics and sound chips. It Is used for producing screen
displays, animations and sound effects.
Hard drive - Like a floppy drive, but much bigger and faster. Also, the disk
cannot be removed, so once the hard drive has been filled, It's either
time to delete excess files or get another one.
Include flies - Supplied by Commodore, these provide the offsets needed to
access system library routines, and the formats for all system structures.
24-Wt graphics - Normally, the Amiga uses between one and five bits (binary
digits) to store the colour of each pixel (picture element) of a display.
This means that between two and 32 colours can be displayed. Hardware
add-ons are now becoming available which use 24 bits per pixel, giving a
possible 16.7 million colours.
52
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 1 6 • AUGUST 1 992
again. It's never been completely
solved.
We've had the printer for two
years; the problem developed after
one. What causes the fading?
Mark Fox
Hoxlemore
High Wycombe
This sounds suspiciously like the
ribbon gear mechanism isn't working
properly. When you return it to the
retailer he probably opens up the
printer and twiddles around with this
mechanism, which will cure it for a
while, but not for very long, as you
have discovered.
Your retailer won't fix it properly
because the guarantee has run out.
The only solution is to pay someone
to repair it. If the place you bought it
from won't or can't do the Job, then
phone Star sales » 0494 471111,
explain the problem, and ask for
details of Star dealers who will be
able to repair It.
But before you do that, try it with
a new ribbon just in case the one you
are using is faulty or worn out. I know
this might sound like a sales pitch
for Star, but the only LC24-10
ribbons I can put my hand on my
heart and recommend are those
manufactured by Star Itself; some of
the cheap third-party LC24-10
ribbons are not worth the plastic
case they come in. JW
GAME DECISION
I wish to purchase an
Amiga computer for
the sole purpose of
playing games. I had
decided upon an Amiga A 500 Plus
but the arrival of the A600 has left
me wondering which of the two
machines wouKJ bo boot suited for
my purposes. When I purchase my
new machine, Is It Important to
specify the Klckstart version? Is the
Philips CM8833 compatible with
both the A500 Plus and the A600?
FD Bellby
Thome
Doncaster
If you only ever intended playing
games, then I'd probably tell you to
buy an A600, but chances are that
you'll probably want to do a lot more
than this once you actually buy an
Amiga. Many people buy Amigas for
the sole purpose of playing games,
but most of them eventually realise
that there's a lot more to computing
than waggling a joystick. I for one
started my computer career playing
games only, but you'd be surprised
just how easy it is to get tempted by
the more serious side to computers,
especially when they're as capable
as the Amiga.
With this in mind, your best bet
is the A500 Plus. Although
Commodore has discontinued the
machine, third party hardware and
software vendors will continue to
support the machine for years to
come. After all, In the UK alone the
A500 accounts for almost 95% of the
user base. If hardware vendors were
to ignore such a huge market, they'd
be cutting their own throats. Even
when vendors start to produce titles
for the A600's ROM card slot, you
can bet that some enterprising
company will come up with an
adaptor. Take my advice - buy the
A500 Plus instead.
All new machines come equipped
with Kickstart and Workbench 2.04,
so there's no reason to specify the
Kickstart version. Finally, the Philips
CM8833 will work perfectly with the
A500 Plus and the A600. JM
HEY BIG SPENDER
I am In the market for
|9| a 24-blt display card. I
have an Amiga 500
with an SSL A5000
68020 accelerator and 3Mb RAM.
I've seen the adverts for the
Progressive Peripheral and
Software's Rambrandt system
which utilises the Texas 34020 and
34082 chip set to produce very fast
graphic processing, 3D hardware
shading etc.
I have a budget of £3 £4000
and this must also Include a 68040
processor as well as the display
card. Could you tell me If
Rambrandt Is the fastest system
currently on the market within my
price range or. would I be better
looking at other systems?
DF Edwards
Harlow
Essex
Unfortunately you are going to have
to include a new Amiga in your
shopping list if you want a
Rambrandt. Why? Simply because
the Rambrandt Is designed to fit
Amiga 1500/2000/3000 series
computers as an Internal expansion
system. This also applies to many
other 24-bit devices based on
expansion slot architecture, for
instance Amiga Centre Scotland's
Harlequin. G2's VD2001 and GVP's
IV24. Archos's AVideo24 will fit in
the Denise slot of your Amiga 500.
but you'll need an '030 card to run
TV Paint. In fact, an '030 is almost
obligatory for graphics work at the
level you appear to be aiming for,
though your projected '040 will, of
course, do nicely Instead.
From what I've seen so far
(which is limited to the Amiga
Shopper Show) the Rambrandt
appears to be a very interesting
device. The selling price will be
around £2200 when they eventually
hit the streets, probably around the
time you are reading this. As I said
last month, the spec looks great, but
until there is enough softwi
support I would hold fire. You may
also be interested to know that GVP
is producing a graphics card which
attaches to the 32-bit expansion slot
of their G-Force cards, which is
rumoured to be excellent, and
Britain's own G2 should be pitching
in with its own offering soon. My best
advice for now is to stick with what
you have and wait a little while. Keep
an eye open for the new generation
of hardware which Is literally just
around the corner. By this time the
whole lot. including a new Amiga,
should be well within your budget.
QW
MINISCRIBE DRIVE
HI have a Mlnlscribe
8425 E8D5I PM 8000
hard drive. All I would
like to know la
the capacity and the Interface type
- IDE or whatever - and which
controller you would recommend.
The drive has an Inspection date of
20/5/87 and was made In
Singapore and I have no paper work
with It. It's to fit a revision 6.2
B2000.
Jim McCusker
Letchworth
Herts
I'm not sure about the capacity of
this drive, although I'd hazard a
guess and say it is probably a
massive 20Mb drive. The interface
you describe is ST-506, and there is
no way of connecting this to the
Amiga 2000, except the Commodore
A2090A controller, which is no longer
made and was a piece of junk
anyway. Sorry I can't help any more.
M
WHICH PRINTER?
I am going to be
buying a printer near
Christmas, and I want
to know which would
be best. My choices are the
INCLUDING C
I have recently
purchased NorthC,
a PD version of the
C language. Can
you please tell me how and
where I can purchase the
Commodore Amiga Include flies.
S Bultitude
Lower Stondon
Beds
The header files can be ordered
for £25 directly from Commodore
UK at: Commodore Business
Machines (UK) Ltd., Commodore-
Amiga Technical Support,
Bradbourn Drive, Tllbrook, Milton
Keynes MK4 SAT.
PAO
Selkosha SP 1900 Plus dot-matrix,
the Commodore MPS-1270 InkJet,
and the Star LC20 dot-matrix.
I was thinking about the
Commodore one, but I read in Amiga
Answers (Issue 9) that this printer
is not currently being produced. Is
this true?
Finally, could you tell me which
printer driver each of the above
printers require?
Mark Whrtworth
Yeadon
Leeds
If the MPS-1270 is not in current
production, this is big news to
Commodore's marketing people, who
tell me the opposite.
The driver Commodore
recommends for use with the MPS-
1270 (in IBM or Epson mode) is the
CBM_MPS1000 driver on the Extras
disk; however, as the name of the
driver Implies, it is not a 'proper'
driver for the MPS-1270 and there
may be problems with graphics, and
there might be some features of the
MPS-1270 that cannot be used.
The Seikosha SP-1900 Plus
HEART SURGERY
HI recently gave my Amiga A500 open heart surgery
successfully made the modifications necessary to allow the
machine to use 1Mb Chip RAM. I managed that without a
hitch, but while I was working, I noticed that near to the
existing four RAM chips there were another four empty spaces. Does this
mean I can add another 512K to my machine in addition to the 1Mb
already shared with the A501 expansion?
BBal
Wolverhampton
The Midlands
This is commonly known as a "gotchya". There Is room for 1Mb on the main
board: two 512K blocks configured from four 1Mbit chips. The "gotchya" is
the fact that the A501 occupies exactly the same physical address space as
those four chips. The answer therefore is. no. Sony. At better typical solution
would be to get a larger expansion - preferably on which fits on the side of
the machine - Power Computing has just released two; one of which is a
budget 2Mb expansion. MS
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
53
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
HAM - Hold And Modify is an Amiga graphic mode allowing all 4096 colours
to be displayed at once, with certain restrictions.
PC clone - IBM PC compatible computer based on one of the Intel 8067 or
80m series CPUs, ana with similar hardware/software configuration.
Printer driver - A program that sits inoetween any applications program
producing output and the printer. It converts any codes describing text
and graphics format into a form suitable for a specific printer.
- Random Access Memory, the place in the Amiga where programs are
stored while they are being executed. The more RAM the better.
Sample - A digital - computerised - representation of a sound, A sample can
be sent through a digital to analogue converter (the Amiga has four of
these) and be heard as sound. Changing the speed at which the sample
is played back changes the frequency (or pitch) of the sound.
emulates the Epson FX-850. It's
supposed to be a 100% FX-850
emulation, but then they say that to
all the girls. If it is 100% FX-850
emulation, then the best driver to
use is called Star9Plus, available on
a £2 Jamdisk from JAM » 0895
274449.
If you are considering a Star 9-
pin printer then 1 would recommend
the LC-200. This Is the only printer in
your list for which an Amiga printer
driver has been specifically written,
that driver being the afore-mentioned
StarQPIus one. JW
MEMORY MATTERS
I want to add more
)j memory to my Amiga
A500(about2-3Mb).
What Is the best
memory expansion available bearing
In mind that I don't want to spend
any more than £140?
Also, I use the PD program
PrtntStudlo to print out Vista
landscapes but the printouts are
rather dark. Surprisingly though,
other programs seem to print OK.
What can I do to Improve the quality
of my printouts? I am using the Star
LC 10 driver to drive my LC-200.
Paul Chamberlain
Letch worth
Herts
Having used several RAM
expansions, I personally prefer the
Cortex {v 051 236 0480) range of
boards. The 2Mb board that the
company produces costs £160. OK.
this is £20 more than you want to
spend, but it really is worth it.
Cortex RAM expansions boast an
Impressive list of features including
a pass-through connector (very
important if you wish to buy a hard
drive at a later date) and they come
with their own power supplies so
they won't burden the Amiga.
If the printouts that you are
obtaining from the Star are too dark,
then check the density setting on
your Vista program disk. If the
setting is too high, then the printout
will be rather dark. Under 1.3
Preferences, go into the Graphic 2
window and adjust the density
setting to about 3 or 4. Failing that,
it might be worth getting your hands
on a copy of the Star9Plus printer
driver which is on Jeff Walker's JAM
disk 5. It costs £2 and can be
obtained from JAM, 75 Greatfields
Drive. Uxbridge UB8 3QN. JH
REAL 32 COLOURS
I read a review of
Real3D some time
ago. I have beginners
version 1.1 and I am
having difficulty rendering Images In
32 colours. I can render to 16
greyscale and HAM but I am unable
to render 32 colours. Do I need the
professional version?
M Wallman
Colchester
Essex
The short answer to your question is
that none of the versions of Real3D
support 32 colour rendering, only
HAM, 16 colour greyscale and 24~bit!
If you want to produce a 32 colour
image you'll have to render it in HAM
or 24-bit and convert it. You could try
using DPaint IV to do this by loading
a HAM image and then changing the
screen format to 32. Alternatively,
other programs such as PixMate or
Art Department are available to
perform the same tasks. GW
PC BLUES
My Amiga A1500 has
r a CSA-MMR because
tO-^B ' needed the SDeed
for DTP and DTV
work. I have now discovered I need
to run PC software at home for a
training course. Would any of the
current emulators suit my setup? I
don't want to have to buy a
separate PC.
David Sellwood
Warrington
Cheshire
There are several choices for such a
setup such as the Commodore
Bridgeboards, Vortex ATOnce and the
KCS Power PC cards. The choice is
up to you. but my personal choice
has always been the KCS system.
Although, like ATOnce, it needs an
adapter for the larger Amigas, it
remains the most consistently
reliable system I have used and
offers the best choice of screen
modes. However, if you intend to run
any hkesolution EGA or VGA modes.
it may be worth investing in a flicker
fixer and multi-sync monitor. MS
SWITCH GLITCH
W M% I have bought a
*gW ^A Golden Image hand
^^ m? scanner with Touch
\f ^H Up software. I also
bought a Centronics switch box so
that I could switch between using
my Star LC-200 printer and the
scanner without having to switch off
the computer.
All seemed fine until I took a
look at some line art that I had
scanned. It was very corrupt. So I
tried connecting the scanner
directly to the computer and the
corruption problem went away.
All the cables appear to be
making good connections, and the
switch box has no fault. Any Ideas
on what is going wrong?
Graham Crowther
Pant
Oswestry
You've proved that the switch box Is
the problem, it obviously cannot
keep up with the speed at which the
scanner is trying to pass data
through the parallel port.
Solution? Get a better switch
box. Avoid these big (and cheap)
switch boxes that look like a rat's
nest of wires inside, go for one that
is made with a printed circuit board.
JW
THROUGH-PORT ADAPTOR
?tW J^% I want to buy a hard
J w A drive. I had settled on
^^ ^H the GVP 105Mb as
|a# JH the Ideal choice but It
does not have a through-port and
would consequently need
unplugging at regular Intervals to
use my Action Replay.
I know this question has come
up from numerous people In
different forms a number of times,
but It seems nobody will give a
definite answer to the question.
Most Just duck It and give a totally
different and unsatisfactory answer.
I use the Replay a lot now:
formatting, Installing, doing
directory checks, checking which
disks I'm stupid enough not to have
labelled, ripping pictures and words
and so on. I found recently that life
was a lot harder without a Replay.
Is there a reliable company that can
make up a lead to connect both
hard drive and replay to the Amiga
at once?
David Lord
Manchester
You are in luck. Datel Electronics Ltd
(« 0782 744 324) does a little
board which will allow you to plug
both the replay and hard drive into
the Amiga at the same time. JR
SOUND EDITS
I use TechnoSound
ISB^ Turbo to produce
samples, but one
thing seems to puzzle
me. I know that to Increase the
pitch of a sample it has to be played
at a higher speed but this also
speeds up the sample. Audio
Engineer Plus claims to be able to
after the pitch without altering the
playback speed. Could you please
tell whether this process works well
or does the quality of the sample
suffer? Are there any cheaper
packages available that will do the
same Job?
Stuart Wilkes
i unbrldge Wells
Kent
Altering the prtch of any sample will
effect its sound quality no matter
whether you're using TechnoSound
Turbo or the latest Akai 16-bit
sampler, especially when the pitch Is
lowered. Considering the limitations
of the Amiga's sound hardware.
Audio Engineer Plus actually does a
very good job of altering the pitch
without effecting playback speed. It
doesn't work too well on shorter
samples, but for long looped rhythms
etc. the results are certainty pretty
impressive.
Audio Engineer is rather
expensive (£200) so no doubt you'll
be pleased to learn that the software
is available separately in the shape
of AudioMaster 4. It costs
approximately £30 and is available
from HB Marketing » 0753 686000.
JH
C POWER
I have been using
NorthC 1.3 for a
number of months
now, mainly to get
the feel of Intuition. Recently
however, I needed a power function
so I used the math.h Include file to
get access to powQ. I've noticed
that this only has an accuracy of
five decimal places, as does the
exp<) which I assume Is used along
with k>g() to make up the pow()
function.
Although math.h uses different
declarations to the libraries/
s j sjwaj sspptt
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
You know what you want
from your computer, that's
why you 're choosing AMIGA
...NOW YOUVE CHOSEN THE RIGHT
COMPUTER. MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE
THE RIGHT DEALER
Anyone can be good at selling Amiga or CDTV, but sadly, that's
often where it ends. So, when it's time to choose the best computer,
it's also lime to find the best supplier. The one who is not only
always competitive, but the one who also gives you the best possible
ongoing support for you and your system.
Gordon Harwood Computers, Pioneers of (he 'Complete Pack'
approach, have specialised in Commodore, from the earliest VIC 20,
to the latest Amiga, for almost a decade... In fact, we've supplied so
many, if you ask all your friends, the chances are that some of them
can tell vou already of our excellent service.
Our service means that we'll help you gel the most from your new
system straight away. But, if you do have problems, and need that
extra hand, that's where we have earned our reputation.
If you 'd like all Ibis, and more:
J FRII NDI.Y AND HELPFTI. EXPERT ADVICE
J I N1.IMITED ACCESS TO ( AH IN SUPPORT AND EX-DIRECTORY
TELEPHONE TECHNICAL HOTLINE
J All ADVERTISED PRICES II I1Y VAT INCLUSIVE
j SHOVl R(K)M DISPLAYS OF OCR EXTENSIVE RANGE OF HARDWARE,
SOFTWARE AND PERIPHERALS
J EXPRESS (OMPITERISED MAIL ORDER, STOCK WARRANTY AND
CUSTOMER SUPPORT SYSTEM
J COMPREHENSIVE INSTRI < TI( >\S WITH AI J. SYSTEMS HARDWARE
AND HELP BTUJmNS WHERE REQ11RED
J FREE COLLECTION OF MAJOR HARDWARE ITEMS REQUIRING IN
WARRANTY SERVICE
J NEW PRODUCT 50 DAY REPLACEMENT Gl ARANTEE
J EXPERIENCED AND TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS
J AND OF COURSE. THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF REAII.Y
COMPETITIVE PRODUCTS AND PACKS ANYWHERE
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£3
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STOP PRESS...STOP PRESS...STOP PRESS...STOP PRESS
NEW 1Mb. AMIGA A600 RANGE
AT FANTASTIC PRICES
As this issue of the magazine was going to press, Commodore announced these new models -
due for release at the end of April 1992.
The details below are provisional, but rest assured the multi title Powerplay pack we are putting
together around the 600 will include as usual, a superb value collection of high quality software
and accessories. By the time you read this, our plans should be finalised.
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR UP TO THE MINUTE PACK INFORMATION AND AVAILABILITY.
TWO MODELS: A600 FD Single 3.5" 880Kb- Floppy Drive
A600 HD Single 3*5" 880Kb. Floppy Drive with internal 20Mb. Hard Disk Drive.
These two latest additions to the Amiga family introduce some stunning new features...
COMPACT DESIGN: With built-in modulator for smaller
desktop footprint.
SMART CARD SLOT: For instant software loading and
future expansion.'
COMPATIBLE: With virtually all Amiga A500* software.
INTERFACES: 2 Mouse/Joystick ports, Parallel Centronics,
Serial RS232, External Floppy Drive. Direct
RF TV Output, RGB Analogue, Composite
Colour Video, Stereo Audio. Smart Card Slot.
Memory Upgrade Port
ft^H
• • •
1Mb. RAM: Expandable to 2Mb. internally with Real Time Clock.'
IN HOME SERVICE: Means should a hardware fault develop, a technician will visit your home to service or replace your
computer, normally within four working days.. .FREE!
'It is Important to note that the sidecar expansion bus & RAM
expansion slot are different from those found on the original
Amiga ASOO and the current Amiga 4500* computers.
Existing Amiga owners who have peripherals which connect in
these ways who wish to upgrade computers, should consider
whether the new A6O0 or its recently launched partner in the
Amiga range, the A500*, is the most appropriate tor their needs.
A570 & A670 CO ROM DRIVES ► ►
ThtM fantastic CD ROM Dnves wM alow you to access the
gro*.ng range of Interactive CDTV Titles lor around £299*
and also play your audio CD collection through your stereo!
Simply plugs into your Amiga 500+ or A600 for immediate use.
[ 'flflP, compatibility and release details yet to be confirmed
by Commodore UK' - Please telephone tor further information]
ft mtri
*
•:• •
SWOT
|
■
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■
The Closer you look,
The Better we look
Apple™ in Alfreton...
For the professional user, Gordon Harwood provides ihe outstanding Apple™ Macintosh™ range of most
user friendly yet powerful Personal Computers, at prices which compare favourably with Amigas.
Sysen»*inat|usi69995fbra4<ftfo Dnvc Madwoh^Oaa*: 11 '. wA Monochrwne Mixwor ami 4Mb iuLM. O)iour
systems are now available at a lower cost than the equhiirnt Amiga 1500 or 2000. but w*h much more useable power.
The Laser-Quality Sryie Writer"" Ink-Jet pnntcr with automatic sheet
feeder is just U9995 to complete the whole package.
Macintosh™ is the industry standard system for DTP and
presentation, it can abo exchange files with MSDOS PCs
and even run MSDOS programs (with SoftPC™. a
standard utility package available separately!
As an Apple Authorised Resetter, systems are amiable
through our showroom only Please visit us for your
persc^mm^luaiontorj^acep^ Authorised Reseller
Gordon Harwooil
Computers
1 kitf V<*» 'WfHUij !u> Ul ■■:■■'.
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HARWOODS POWERPLAY PACK 1 COMES OF AGE WITH 31* GREAT GAMES & A
1Mb AMIGA A500 PLUS CARTOON CLASSICS WITH THE SIMPSONS, LEMMINGS
AND CAPTAIN PLANET PLUS 28* EXTRA GAMES ONLY FROM HARWOODS!!!
ALL OUR AMIGAS ARE UNITED
KINGDOM SPECIFICATION AND
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING...
1 Mb. Disk Drive
1Mb Ram Memory
TV Modulator
4096 Colours
Multi Tasking
Speech Synthesis
4 Channel Digital Stereo
Sound
Amiga Mouse
Operation Manuals
Workbench 2 Disks
ALL Connecting Cables
PLUS... All OUR Amigas
are backed by Harwoods
Great Service
[Please see full details in our
Ordering Made Easy' panel final page]
THAT'S RIGHT HARWOODS HAVE PUT TOGETHER THE ULTIMATE AMIGA PACKS YET AGAIN...
STARTING WITH POWERPLAY PACK 1 WHICH INCLUDES 31* GREAT GAMES!
* owl Games NOT
ww AW titles
Just look at what you get NOW...
•AMIGA A500 PLUS COMPUTER WITH A FULL 1Mb. OF MEMORY!
•THE SIMPSONS, BART vs THE SPACE MUTANTS - Thats right man!
you can play the computer version of this popular TV cartoon. By Ocean.
•CAPTAIN PLANET • created from the award winning TV show, now's your chance to save the
earths environment with this ultimate adventure... your Eco-Copter is waiting. By Mindscape.
•LEMMINGS - Are you as smart as Lemmings are stupid, match your intelligence against their
lack of it as you play the 140 levels of the most original game of '91 (European Computer Leisure
Awards Winner). By Psygnosis.
•EDUCATIONAL BASIC LANGUAGE FOR CREATING YOUR OWN PROGRAMS
•DELUXE PAINT III GRAPHICS PACKAGE WITH ANIMATION
•TAILORED DUST COVER AND MOUSE MAT
•AND A SUPERB HIGH QUALITY MICROSWITCHED JOYSTICK,
•PLUS.... 18 MORE GREAT GAMES, THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE...
BLOODWYCH - Fantasy role-playing game, great interaction with your computer created environment
BUBBLE* - Help the dawdling ghost and the soap bubble, escape from the old deserted manor house
CAPTAIN BLOOD * Astonishing creatures and animated 3D graphics, this is a game you just have to play
ELIMINATOR - A progressive multi stage flying shoot 'em up, on a long winding course, survive if you can!
HOSTAGES - You must get your team and hostages out of the terrorist overrun embassy, without loss ol lite
JUMPING JACKSON - In a deluge of colour and sound save, the earth irom sadness and meiacholy music
KRYPTON EGG - A classic Breakout game, 60 screens, separated by 6 combat sequences
LANCASTER - Your mission is to fly the classic WWII bomber on its dangerous raids over enemy territory
LOMBARD RAC RALLY - You drive your 300 bhp Sierra Cosworth through demanding stages of the rally
PURPLE SATURN DAY - Four arcade games, an exciting high speed trip into total cosmic 3D space
SAFARI GUNS - Live the African experience in an animal sanctuary, track the poachers & ivory traffickers
STIR CRAZY (Featuring BoboJ - Bobo & his inmates are planning a stunning trampoline jump prison escape
SKYCHASE - Airborne combat for every simulation fan. In this one or two player game, battle against your
MIG flying adversary in your F-16 Falcon.
SKYFOX II - Skyfox II, the only ship fast enough to carry on the Skyfox legend. Fight to blow your federation
enemies from the Galaxy, at speeds of 9000 kilometres/second!
STRIKE FORCE HARRIER - Puts you in the cockpit of one of Britams most exiting fighter aircraft. Multiple
skill levels let you progress to become an ace pilot
TINTIN ON THE MOON - We've been captured by Colonel Jorgen and he's tring to scupper the moon mission.
Come on Tintin, you're the only one who can save us. and be the first on the moon
TV SPORTS FOOTBALL - Strap on your helmet for American football simulation that looks like the real thing.
XENON 2 MEGABLAST - This time it's war! The Xenltes are back and have thrown time itself into turmoil.
We reserve me right to substitute individual software titles or pack items should the need arise.
V^
* OUR POWERPLAY PACK 1 PREVIOUSLY CONTAINED 21 GREAT GAMES
BUT, NOW WE'RE INCLUDING THESE 10 FANTASTIC BONUS GAMES...
...BUT ONLY WHILST STOCKS LASTI
OATASTORM - The fastest shoot 'em up of all time! Defender with a vengencelM
DUNGEON QUEST - Ultimate in multisensory gaming! The BEST graphic mysteries!
E-M0TI0N- 50 levels of multi-coloured puzzles. A challenging emotional experience.
GRAND MONSTER SLAM - Elves. Trolls. Goblins, Ores, Dragons & Knights do battle!
R VF HONDA - Formula 1 motorbike racing at 1 70mph on a Honda RC30 racing bike!
DRIVIN' FORCE * For driving maniacs! 12 competitions day or night with 6 vehicles!
PIPEMANIA - Classic puzzle arcade game. So addictive you won t want to put it down!
ROCK 'N' ROLL - Crazy action game accompanied b^ fantastic Rock n Roll sounds!
SKWEEK- Paint the town PINK, kill Schnoreuts and dominate 99 levels of Skweezland
TOWER OF BABEL - Intricate 3D strategy game. Fantastic lighting & shading effects!
...AND HARWOODS ALSO GIVE YOU A SUPERB BROCHURE OFFERING UP T0 16 NIGHTS FREE HOTEL
ACCOMODATION IN AN EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF 400 HOTELS AROUND THE UK PLUS NOW A
SPECIAL BUDGET FRANCE SUPPLEMENT IS INCLUDED TOO
luidih. f terms OH' flWlklN? fsnhl«1 lo ittltifttfiirmutitimxlik'tt tttvux'sei'titit unhiiii^f Han't ut the cmtirf this utttvri for/utl <kltitti>
•
Amiga A500 Plus.
11 J. Imigas may si til be available
to special onler, please enquire.)
HARWOOD'S
BRILLIANT 1Mb
AMIGA 500 PLUS
'MEGA 31"
GAMES PACK 2
That's right you get
the fantastic Amiga &
ALL THE EXTRAS
detailed in Harwoods
"Mega 31* Pack 1
AND you also get...
THE PHILIPS
CM8833/II
STEREO COLOUR
MONITOR
CV montor secton on pap* 6
pm tut daBb tor your tfwt
of Phta$ Moneys J Uantor 7V»
"IT'S THE-
BUSINESS"
A TRULY PROFESSIONAL
PACKAGE SPECIFICALLY
FOR THE BUSINESS
MINDED AMIGA USER.
THIS ONE SHOULD
FULFILL EVERY AREA
OF HOME BUSINESS
YOU'RE UKELY TO NEED!
HARWOOD'S GREAT 1Mb
AMIGA 500 PLUS
'MEGA 31' 'PACK 3
Thats right you got the fantastic
Amiga & AIL THE EXTRAS
detailed m Harwoods 'Mega 31-
Games Pack l (far left) AND...
then you also get..
THE SUPERB PHILIPS CM88SVU
STEREOCOLOUR MONITOR
Our montor Mdton
onp0Q$$gfm
ft* dattfti tor your
tfoixofPHtoi
MonftttJ Montfor TVs
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AlWMMOSfTOftTV
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MUM
A SPECIAL PACK FROM HARWOOD S
YOU SEE AND HEAR THOSE GAMES
WITH SUPERB CLARfTY
£599??
POWERPRO
PROFESSIONAL
PROFESSIONAL
THE BUSINESS PACK
FROM HARWOODS
INCLUDES ALL THE
FOLLOWING...
AMIGA 500 PLUS
WITH 1Mb. MEMORY
+
PHILIPS CM 8833/1I
STEREO COLOUR MONITOR
S~ Monitor Pm* on 9»f 6 for taint
STAR LC200 9 PIN N]
FULL COLOUR PRII
St* Primer Panel on Pagt 5 lor tailli
A HOST OF BUSINESS SOFTWARE 1 «CCE8S0rWS
PEN PAL V1.3 (Word Processor).. .1 Mb.
SUPERBASE II PERSONAL (Database)
SUPERPLAN (Spreadsheet)...! Mb.
A GREAT TEN
GAMES PACKAGE
Hi...
■TJI
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"•'ill!
•in!!!;
Il'irii
■■■•■■■I
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OR. YOU CAN CHOOSE ,
A PHILIPS MONITOR TV |
AT NO EXTRA COST 1
See page 6 tor FULL
detotte of m<s remarkable .
I Monitor TV I
.OMn'Fow.PipiMwt.
Dungeon Que* RockW-fl* E4fc*r
Tow tf EVM. SM»*. RVf HondL
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.. CAPTAIN PLANET
I LEMMINGS
. DELUXE PAINT III
Now wffi ANIMATION
> MKfiOSWTCHED JOYSTICK
ft 10 BLANK 3 5' DISKS
A DISK UBRARY CASE
• MOUSEMAT
A 3 TALOflES DUST COVERS
ADO A CUMANA CAX 354 SECOND DRlVfc
f Ofl JUST £50 TO HELP RUN THOSE
BUSINESS PACKS MORE EFFICIENTLY
WE MEAN BUSINESS AT A GREAT
PACKAGE PRICE OF JUST...
l£869t 5
THE SUPER STA
LC 200 COLOUR
PRINTER...
PAOtTHREE
OR .YOU CAN CHOOSE
•1 APHIUPSUONTTORTV
AT NO EXTRA COST!
Sec page 6 lor FULL
detail* of this nama/ajDte
Fast Ten Monitor TV
■ . FMluring..,
£/ ISSMOCMjFull Colour 9 Pin NLO Dot Majrtt
r w«h a FREE Dual Cow srxj caMe lo your Amoa.
'S*-onntmp«*tkx<toaMi
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EDUCATION
HARWOODS LEARN & PLAY
PRIMARY I JUNIOR PACK A
(^yourcnilrJrinfytlothingM
ramoumg start **r> Bw software
HH and ptty Compjnaum 6 pack..
IIO»rYK «ATWR«41CM«
CAlfHOA* Ml WOROSIWMHRS.
SAW UU NATCH.
WHAT IS IT » WHf RE 16 IT?
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MOCA
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A GREAT EDUCTIONAL PACK
FOR VOUR CHILDREN AT A
FRACTION OF THE NORMAL COST
£69
,95
St
1
HARWOODS LEARN & PLAY
GCSEYO' LEVEL PACK B
GCS£examriiBoflli^stut3«onyour
Amip computet ttiat stun 1
MICRO ENGLISH MICRO FRENCH AND
MICRO MAtHe*
A Ml d Dtm compMt MV-luMhOn COHU1 to liCSt
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GOMroe ind cWr conwiMniM mftytnea manuatt
A GREAT EDUCTIONAL PACK
FOR YOUR CHILDREN ATA
FRACTION Of THE NORMAL COST
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Hj^ Closer you look,
Tlie Better we look.
HiiimuMWyiiri'iihiihiiili'iuiiih' nm-ui ktii Vi;,/ illMiih
SOUND A
m%®°"
IMAGINE, IF YOU CAN, THE CONCEPT OF
A NEW, MORE POWERFUL AMIGA...
...WITH 1 MEGABYTE OF MEMORY, AND A COMPACT DISK DRIVE OF ALMOST INFINITE
SIZE. A DISK DRIVE SO VAST, IT CAN STORE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DIGITS OF
DATA. THIS DATA COULD BE, SPEECH, ANIMATED PICTURES, DIGITISED STEREO
SOUND, COMPUTER IMAGES OR WHOLE ENCYCLOPAEDIAS.... AND MORE.
IMAGINE THIS. AND YOU CAN START TO GRASP THE CONCEPT OF CDTV.
THE INTEGRAL COMPACT DISK DRIVE. IS THE KEY TO THE POWER OF COTV ITS STORAGE CAPACITY IS EQUIVALENT
TO AROUND A QUARTER OF A MILUON RJU PAGES OF TEXT. THIS WHEN INTEGRATED WITH THE 1 MB OF INTERNAL
AMIGA ORCUfTRY. CREATES A SYSTEM, WWCH FROM A CO DISK. CAN GIVE YOU ACCESS TO AN UNIMAGINABLE
SPECTRUM OF REAL WORLD IMAGES NEVER S§EN COMBINE) BEFORE THESE VIVID IMAGES. WITH WOROS AM)
SOUNDS, GIVE YOU A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION IN HOME EDUCATION. ENTERTAINMENT & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
AND DON! FORGET. THAT COTV CAN PLAY IN SUPERB QUAUTY. ANY NORMAL AUDIO MUSIC CO. AND R" CAN
ALSO PLAY THE NEW CO»G DISKS. WHICH GIVE DIGITAL SOUND AND ON SCREEN GRAPHICS
ON CO DISKS NOW AVAILABLE. THERE ARE EDUCATIONAL PACKAGES, ENCYCLOPAEDIAS PACKED WTTH
REFERENCE INFORMATION. STUNNING GAMES, MUSC SYSTEMS AND MANY OTHER NEW ANO VARIED
SUBJECTS. INCLUDING WHOLE WORLD ATLASES OR EVEN THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE.
EACH ON ONE CD DISK!! 1 CDTV - NOTHING LESS THAN REVOLUTIONARY
FREE CDTV STARTER PACK!!!
WHEN YOU CHOOSE YOUR CDTV FROM GORDON HARWOOD, NOT ONLY DO
YOU GET OUR LEGENDARY SERVICE, BUT WE GIVE YOU A CDTV STARTER PACK,
TO GET YOU EXPLORING YOUR NEW WORLD • STRAIGHTAWAY.
THIS INCLUDES A SUPERB SELECTION OF CD DISK TITLES INCLUDING THE WELCOME
TUTORIAL & HUTCHINSONS ENCYCLOPAEDIA, PLUS ... FIVE GAMES, SHERLOCK HOLMES
& THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, SIM CITY, CHAOS IN ANDROMEDA, A TOWN
WITH NO NAME, AND THE ACCLAIMED LEMMINGS, WORTH IN TOTAL ALMOST £200.00.
IN ADDITION IS THE INFRARED REMOTE CONTROLLER, AND ALL THE HARDWARE
NEEDED TO GET YOU CONNECTED.
ALL THIS FOR JUST £499.95
CDTV IS THE SAME SIZE AND STYLE AS MOST VIDEO RECORDERS, SO IT CAN SIT UNOBTRUSIVELY ABOVE OR BELOW
YOUR HOME TV AND/OR HI-FI. ANO WITH ITS INFRARED REMOTE CONTROLLER. IT CAN BE OPERATED FROM YOUR
ARMCHAIR BUT PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANTLY. IF YOU ARE A COMPUTER ENTHUSIAST. REMEMBER THAT INSIDE
EVERY CDTV. IS AN AMIGA. JUST WAITING TO BE USED. SO LATER ON, YOUU BE ABLE TO BUY THE OPTIONAL
KEYBOARD AND DISK DRIVE, TO GET INTO THE WORLD OF AMIGA COMPUTING PRINTERS, DlGfTISERS,
GENLOCKS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES, CAN AIL BE CONNECTED TO GIVE ACCESS TO MANY OTHER EXCITING
FACILITIES, AND ALSO MANY OF THE EXISTING SOFTWARE PACKAGES AVAILABLE FOR THE AMIGA COMPUTER.
NEVER BEFORE HAS THERE BEEN SO MUCH POTENTIAL FROM ONE NEW STUNNING SYSTEM, PACKED WITH
TODAYS TECHNOLOGY.!
CALL IN AND SEE US FOR YOUR PERSONAL DEMONSTRATION, OR PHONE US FOR YOUR
FREE DETAILED CDTV INFORMATION PACK.
CDTV ACCESSORIES "— *
WKr*Mft£*y
CO 1220 KEYBOARD
CD 12S2 MOUSE
CO 1200 TRACKBALL
CO 1400 CADDY
CD 1401 MEMORY CARD
AN 89 KEY QWERTY KEYBOARD C 49.95
INFRARED MOUSE WITH BATTERY SAVER C49.95
INFRARED TRACKBALL. WITH THE OPTION £79.95
OF DIRECT CONNECTION TO EXTEND BATTERY UFE
DUPLICATES FUNCTIONS OF 2 BUTTON MOUSE &
INCLUDES TWO 9 PIN PORTS FOR STD. JOYSTICKS
FOR HOLDING CD WITHIN DRIVE £9.95
PERSONAL RAM CARD CONTAINING £79 95
64K OF MEMORY FOR STORING DATA OR AS A
BOOKMARK FACIUTY WITHIN CDTV
CO 1405 MEMORY CARO A LARGER PERSONAL RAM CARD £24995
CONTAINING 512K OF MEMORY FOR STOWNG
DATA OR AS A BOOKMARK FACIUTY WTTHN COTV
35' FLOPPY DRIVE WITH B80K CAPACITY £** 95
MATCHING BLACK FINISH SUPPLIED WITH
AMIGA WORKBENCH DlSKSWANUALS «c
PAL BASED VIDEO INTERFACE CARO FOR £1 49.95
SUPERIMPOSING CDTV IMAGES OVER A VOEO SIGNAL
PROVIDED BY ANY STANDARD VIDEO SOURCE
COTV COMPATIBLE AND STYLED IN 169.95
MATCHING BLACK.
Many Amiga Accessories & Penpnerals (e.g. Printers, Disk Dnvoc, Software etc ) are
compatible with COTV Please phone us lor compataWlity information
C8M FLOPPY DRIVE
C0 1301 GENLOCK
WTEX5" DRIVE
H ARWOODS AMIGA
NEW LOWER PRICE
Pan
rvpuf^j
PRO-GEN Amiga Genlock
The Proven AMIGA Genlock atom you Id ma you Amga daptay •» any PAL wleo
•gnat whether i « from a VCR. Laeerdk* pea/er or a Cancorc* intactanyftamof
video etwpment wfcch outputs a PAL comport* «cto sgr« ComMd «* fv Angt
computer the Pro-Gen owes you the fac iaaas of a spec* aflects I video »ng suae
Take your own tikns A grve them a prole—or* look by OVERLAYING TITUS or by
SUPER IMPOSING YOUR OWN GRAPHICS creased ft packages fte Photon Part 20
or Deluxe Pamt Pro-Gen a suppled with rrwro Iusots superb Photon Pan! 2 Deduce
FREE Photon Paint 2.0 Software
A powerful Lo-and-Hi resolution hold and meaty (HAM) pert program, wci overecen
(NTSC/PAL) and special effects for your Amiga Computer ndudng el the foBowng...
Contour Mapping: drapes a brush over a 3D landscape" Pm intensity values decide
the peaks and valleys, while a specially developed ray-traong algorithm maps the vnagc
precisely Surface Mapping: around 3D objects, both geometric and tree hand drawn.
Luminance: sets the light source and intensity. Shadowing automatca&y with control of
sue and offset Brush Control: twist, tit resize, ftp. rotate, bend, adjustable transparency.
stretch etc etc PLUS LOTS MORE 1 A g/eai program a*cwfigueeor'<(»6 colours Ox*
of hortz/vert page print negatives, anti s t un g, dahered pnrt, arfaiaft brftejtoe es etc
How It works: 1 i — i I STOP PRESS
va&ru mxti commit vac
~ j£«c:o naaEH >*i ■
thi mom "*H» to ac us©
$Twr>- iw> *tm wjt »cnu*
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aaWOVjaai
» «T TO $T*T TOU OFKBflHT HOl
n* HOktyr vou cew t* toor
NEW
LOWER
PRICE
SERF*. ONLY £99.95
Mode Switch-box for Genlocks
Features Include
•Compatible With The Pro- Gen And Rendafc 8802
-Supplied With Genlock Extender Cable Worth ES 95
-Switch-box Switches Between Foreground. Back-
ground, Video And Computer Modes
£29.95
I'imiih ru-tih* tirvfliwlabfciwihjcct to siuhh* f**r wad frhnhti f* / ■ \lHim4itl ftVtUf/'V thi* tufa
t
AMIGA DRIVES & MEMORY
Cumana CAX354 3.5
IWfliHMlT-littSIi.
;. Foaturos Include
x Long connecting cawe
i 1 Mb. (880K Formatted) Capacity
> Enable Disable Switch,
-V Throughport
.1 Access Light
i Compatible with AmigaSOai 000
1500/2000/3000 and CDTV
NOW SUPPl IFD WITH A CRFF
3.5* Oitk Htad Ckwnef to maintain
your n#* Otto* In lip-lop' «
£57.95
I Capacities of 52 to420Mb
J> Connects to sidecar bus on \JH
Side of A500 A500 Plus
-j Autobcots with Kckstan 1 1"2 0.
boot enabis/otoble swtah
ft Sockets tor up to B Mb of RAM
ft SCSI Port allows up to 7 other
devices to be connected
.V Supplied with easy to use software
> 2 Year Warranty > Dedicated PSU
ft Mini slot for future expansion
j PC-AT Emulator planned to be
available for 1992
I GVP AMIGA A500 HARD DRIVES I |_f GVP AMIGA 1500/2000 HARD DRIVES i
. CAPACITY I RAM I CAPACITY
SIZE 52Mb. 120Mb. I 240Mb. J SIZE 52Mb. 1 20Mb. ; 240Mb. I 420Mb.
OMD.
. ..:. ^
£459 95
£729 95
2Mb.
S419 95
£529 95
£799 95
4Mb.
£489 95 £599.95
£869.95
8Mb.
£629.95
£739.95
£999.95
OMb. I £289.95i £409.95 1 £639.95 £1169.95
2Mb,
4Mb.
SMU
£359.95 £479.95 £709.95 £1239
£429.95 £549.95 £779.95 £1309.95
£559.95 £679.95 £899.95 £1429.95
>-u_uj
Sr'i
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CCuj£
Oq5S:
All our packs contain the new
Amiga A5O0 Pius.
i IJAmii>(is may still be available
to special order, please enquire. )
• *
n -
<i
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Zj -
EDUCATION SOFTWARE
DONT JUST PLAY GAMES WHEN YOU
CAN LEARN WITH YOUR AMIGA TOO!
IKBOIUT>«-24easytoi^DcograrmtoGCSErOlJrtO £18.95
revision or Mi MaQn
MEGA MATHS • A 9 lev* stec Dy step tufSon courw fo mature £20.95
beginners. A Level siuiMs & Micro Maths users
MICRO FRENCH - GCSE French tufton or rewon coune. Coveri £16.95
both spoken & written French
MICRO ENGLISH • Complete ssfMuton programe to GCSEIevW £18.95
PRIMARYMATHS • Ages3to 12. Complete 24 Prog Courw -18.95
SPELLBOOK Apes4to8,Devek)peawlhtr*r«lpo'aPrlmarv £17.95
School Heafl Teacher to art seeing skjita
HOMEBASE Home storage prog . ideal tor those nousehort lists. £19.95
eNdrens educational proiecB, student notes etc Easy to use 'Push Burton'
controls and a extensive refe re nc e manual
COMPENWUMStt PACK- 6 GnWEajcasor*l Progs kxchttren £29.95
aged *• 1 2years of age. Each « cteaigned to keep your chstt interest wh*
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H ARWOODS AMIGA
1Mb PRO-RAM PLUS
ADD MORE POWER TO YOUR AMIGA 500 PLUS
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| Gives a total of 2Mb. of RAM
Easily fitted without any dismantling in
| the trapdoor expansion slot underneath
> Amiga. DOESN'T invalidate your warranty'
I Low power consumption 2 Yr Guarantee!
I A GREAT NEW OFFER FROM HARWOODS
ftfr-
£40.00
0.5 Mb PRO-RAM
Compatible with Amiga A500 and 500 Plui
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Gives 500 Plus a total of 1 .5Mb Memory
£2#?5
%^ -
U* =
1)-
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a z
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AMIGA SOFTWARE
PROGRAMS FOR JUST
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;-X: The ultimate software tor professional MIDI sequencing. The software includes a config-
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MIDI INTERFACE (S Port): In, Out, Through plus 2 swrtchable thru'/Out. Inc. 2 cables £24.95
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create complex animation sequences. 300 page manual and over 60 example programs £49.95
Amos Add on Modules: (BOTH require Amos prog.)
Amos Compiler £29.95 Amos 3D £34.95
Super Base 4. Most powerful database available for the Amiga.Combines the ease of use of Super-
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l^n«eC: An io^ tool tatrwC program Thebestwayto
create applications for the Amiga Fully supports Motorola chipset. Nearly 300 functions optimised
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Vidi, The Complete Colour Solution Vk* wrth RGB Spirfler, Frame Grabber & Oigrttser Grabs
moving colour video into 1 6 grey scale frames (up to 16 frames in 1Mb Amiga) and digitises from
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TTTl£SWECAN7USTT>€MAUHERESOFXEASECmi£lFYOUCAN7SEE
Pen Pal , .
WORD PROCTSSOR/DATABASt:
With Pen Pal you am mix text 4(1**
colour graphics & data in way* no oilier
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auii Hrutically wrap ^^^
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PEN PAL compute
WITH 5 I2K Amiga
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tmn
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The Closer you look,
The Better we look.
'hltillh i' U'tniK au- a\ mliihlt' t uihf.; 7 /., ittillKl h» hiu.l j»<ulu. /< / |f| ,>i,i,>nir. Jhhu-I ill <'*' riul ../ UhmuIuiI /..,- Jull
RINTERS
AC( *ssor, es
All printers In our range Include a standard Centronics/Parallel Port
for direct connection to Amiga, PC's, Atari ST's, Archimedes etc.
Wo supory a connection cable to YOUR compL
■i.b d 'Jjd^v 'j^: ■■-■e i -v:' a^l Do: Va'."j» p ri
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NEW CANON BUBBLEJET BJIOex PRINTER
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CITIZEN 1200* 9 PtN UONO • Up to 120/25 cpe
_J V»cyrettt*towco«pnr4wwWintrcftanQ»tttin»vtacw1w
Centrw*a/RS2^en*type(C64etci _J Ful 2 Year manutarturan
NEW FASTER STAR LC20 9 PIN MONO - Up to 15CV39 cpe
Replacement for our moat popular Mooo DW-MatrU at a euper low price
_l Multiple font opoona eeety accnaafcli I Simultaneous, continuous and single
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STAR LC200 9 HN COLOUR PRINTER • 185/40 cpe
This is the one in oui packs'
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_i Push/puR tractor & rear/bottom (teds
j Reverse paper toads
CITIZEN SWIFT 9 PIN COLOUR ■ 1
New super high spec 9Pin colour printer
_j 8K Buffer 4 Fonts
_j Push and pud tractor built-in
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STAR SJ48 INKJET PRINTER —
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Micro paper feed, Max. paper wkffi 1 1 V
Supplied wnh colour & mono ribbons
Paper park with auto single sheet loading
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12 month warranty
£199.95
-i
240 x 240 dpi Colour Graphics
Beat text quality >n our 9Pin range
2 Year Omen warranty
LI
New super htgh quality bubble Ink jot printer
_i 64 Noule ink jet
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_! Complete with AC adaptor
STAR LC24/200 24 PIN MONO • 220/55 cpi
Mono version of LC24/200 Colour, same spec except to
£239.95
Large 28K Butter
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_i Optional Nl-Cad battery tor mains tree
operation
a smaller 7K buffer
STAR LC24V200 24 PIN COLOUR - 220/55 Cp»
Colour version of the LC24-200 Mono
£239.95
£289.95
_j 80 Column Dot Matrix
j 360 dpi ■ 24 Pin MONO
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□ Reverse paper feed
_j Paper park with auto single sheet loading
_j Macro paper feed. Max paper width 11.7'
_j Supplied with mono ribbon
_1 Faater than the old LC24-10
_j Extra font cartridges available
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_j 12 month warranty
£229.95
NEW 24 Pin CITIZEN 224 COLOUR ■ 160/53 cpe
Brand New lowest coat colour 24 Pin printer, anywhere 1
J 80 Column Cot Matrix with 4 Forts j Pueh & pul tractor teada
_j 360 dpi • 24 Pin COLOUR J Complete paper parking l
_j 8K Buffer expandable to 32K _j Suppeed with mono & colour ribbons
_j EaaYfcuaerrortpar^controlB _j Ful 2 Year Caaen Wsrranty
£299.95
NEW 24 Pin CITIZEN SWIFT 24E COLOUR ■ 190/60 cpe -
Brand New. superb spedfcatton colour 24 Pin printer
_j 80 Column Dot Matrix w«h 7 Fonts _j PuervpuJ & bottom tractor leads
_l 360 dot -24 Pin COLOUR _i Complete paper parking tacttws
_j 8K Butter expandable to 32K J Suppeed w*h mono a cotour rttbom
_l Easy to use LCD panel controls _j Ful 2 Year Camn Warranty
NEW FASTER STAR XB 24 PIN COLOUR
RANGE XB2420O A X824-2S0 - 27V80 cpe
These NEW top ot the range Stars replace the X824/10 ft
XB24.'i 5. ft offer the oaat poasfcle Quatty dot mafttt porting
eWtCeWl— t 1
£399.95
24-200 Colour |
£499.95
24-250 Colour
_i Exceptt)nalprM«a«y
_j 4 1 4ePm supei letter ouaMy fonts
j M x 24Pm near Mar quatfy forts
_J Buflr 2gKp(B24/2001 ft 76K(XB 24/250)
_j 380 x 360 dp. Colour Grapncs
j I2mtns c^srte warranty {UK M
£579.95
HEWLETT PACKARD PAINTJET COLOUR A4 INKJET —
Ou beat quatty W colour porta* at a reaftaoc price
_j Paraaavtereonics or Sena* RS232 IF (speo^ wa^ cxOer. MAC oc«r aveaeble)
_j For wesertabcflgraphici'OTP.CAD and (ecnnicakioertiBc applicabons
_J A full page ot colour graphcs m 4 minutes ftyrxaf)
-J Non impact printing. _j w» pnnt tranaperencle a
=» rvrtuetr seenL ittte _j 18MWeor^vwanry{UKM«Jniand)
STARSCRIPT - 4ppm POSTSCRIPT COMPATIBLE LASER £999 95
A4 Laser Printer, wtl connect to PC. A/ruga. Atari ST Macintoehetc
_J 300 DP) 2Mb Upgradable to 5Mb J Ser* and ParaRet Interfaces
-J Emulations ii>c HP Senee II. Epson _J l2month on site warranty (UK
EXBO0. IBM Proprinter ft Diablo 630 . 1 49 quakty tarts built-in
J Complete with "Starscnpr (Stars J Apptetark for connecbon lo Madntosh
poetsenot language angulation) -J Every desktop publishers dream
SEE OUR LIST OF ACCESSORIES FOR bOTH STAR
AN0 CITIZEN PRINTERS, ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES!
All Ihm ehanctmrm Per Second jp##d* quotad abow an DraWLQ at lOcpl
PRINTER ACCESSORIES
CITIZEN PRINTER ACCESSORIES;
STAR PRINTER ACCESSORIES:
Citizen 1200* Sheet Feeder
Citizen 120D+ Parallel Interface 149.99
Citizen 120D+ CBM C64 Serial Interface £49.95
Citizen 124D32K Buffer 113.95
Citizen 1 24D Semi-Auto SheetFeeder 139.95
Citizen 1 240 Automatic Sheet Feeder 179.95
Citizen 1 240 Printer Stand £24.96
Citizen Swift 9 Semi-Auto SheetFeeder 139.99
Citizen Swift 9 Automatic Sheet Feeder
Citizen Swift 9 Printer Stand 124.95
Citizen Swift 9X Printer Stand CW.95
Citizen Swrft 9X Automatic Sheet Feeder C139.
Citizen Swift 24 32K Printer Butter £13.96
Citizen Swift 24 Semi-Auto Sheet Feeder 139.95
Citizen Swift 24 Automatic Sheet Feeder 179.95
Citizen Swrft 24 Printer Stand C24J6
Citizen Swift 24X Auto Sheet Feeder 11 39.96
Citizen Swift 24X Pnnter Stand 134.96
HEWLETT PACKARD PAINTJET
PRINTER ACCESSORIES:
Hewlett Packard PaintJet
Black Ink cartridge
Colour Ink Cartndge
Single Sheet Printer Paper
Z-Fold Printer Paper
Transparency Paper:
Pack of 50 Sheets
Star LC-20 Mono Pnnler
Automatic SheetFeeder
StarLC24-10 Mono Printer
32K Buffer £67.95
Automatic SheetFeeder
Star LC-200 Colour Primer
Automatic SheetFeeder
Star LC 24-200 MoncVCotour Pnnters
32K Printer Buffer
Automatic SheetFeeder
Star £348 Pnnter
Automatic Sheet Feeder
Ni-Cad Battery
174*
167.95
174.95
174*5
tM N
174.95
1*4 95
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£31.49
117.95
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ntM
Star XB 24-200 Cotour Printer
Pull Tractor
Font CartridQes -
Styles To Be Announced
1 28K Centronics Pnnter Buffer
Automatic SheetFeeder
Dual Bin SheetFeeder
Star XB 24-250 Cotour Printer
Pull Tractor
Font Cartridges *
Styles To Be Announced
1 28K Centronics Pnnter Buffer
Automatic SheetFeeder
Dual Bin SheetFeeder
D4.95
129.95
199.95
1114.95
1429.95
C29J6
199 95
11743$
NUJCD
pom
■I
CITIZEN 1 200. I BLACK ONLY
CITIZEN 124
BUCK ONLY
CITIZEN SWIFT 9 I BLACKACOLOUfl
SWIFT 24/24E/224 BUCK/COLOUR
STAR LCI 0V2O.V
STARLC200
STAR LC24/2O0
STAR XB RANGE
nrTTT
BLACK/COLOUR
BLACK/COLOUR
BUCK/COLOUR
BUCK/COLOUR
£4.95 £24.95 N/A
C4.95 I £24.95 f N/A I N/A
£4.95 £24.95 £16.95
C4.95 I C24.95 C16.95 £99.95
£4.50 C24.95VV I £6.90*J £36.50*
£6.95 ZX9 £36.95 ZX9 £l2.95zxtcJ £69.95xxea.
£8.95 Z24 I £4995 Z24 £14.95 u«c«. £74.95 «*ci
£8.95 Z24 £49.95 Z24 £14.95 x;«c J £74.95 «*-ci
Aleo
^Sr^^CSXT"* I E15.95ea.
BOOK SHOP
■
R BEGINNERS A EXPERTS ALIKE
We ALWAX3 CAftW LARGE STOCKS OF TM full flAWQE Of
ABACUS 9 OTH&I BOOKS. Pnom us nyde*'«'
AakOAWa*3ee€ftS-vcx 1 ABACUS aOOKS. £12.96
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AJeOA BASIC WSAX AM) OUT -VOL 2 ABACUS BOOKS £1196
rjetnave eao &j me gjdi lc srvprrrq A^gi> r aeac
AIaWlbU»M LANGUAGE -VK^ C14J6
Prscfol ej* t lesrnrg BfjOOO esertitr vx^tgt
kW* WSWXAHOOUl- VOL % ABACUS 600*$ Mel
uudifcAmgiOOSICU NEWEaawrc *B20 trojM fm mo Oak)
AMGA KAWWAaf «FW6NC£ MANUAL-AWw VfaWtf. 171.96
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0NIT0RS & MONITOR TV'
Harwoods stock a complete range of both Monitors & Monitor TV's
to give you your perfect solution to the type of display to buy.
PHILIPS CM8833/II s *SKir on
The swpooulvU-inchPhiipiCM 8633 MMI « verstfftty means you not orty
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pours With He 8633 Mk M . Harwoods grvo you the complete set up. to get you
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-. SG&AD.TTL. Compoefte V-deo & stereo audio -noma :* Can be used as a TV
wflhVCRorTur*iAeoMaVk»eoCamerad«playmonflof ^ Retractable stand
"a m Stereo Speakers ;. Headphone Jack
Socke! iFPEEIeedtof your computer \FREE
1? Month on lite service warranty
THE MOST VERSATILE STEREO
COLOUR MONITOR AVAILABLE
£234.95
10*4$ STEREO COLOUR MONITOR.
Commodores Own Stereo High Resolution Colour Monitor wr
I RGB akttl. Composite Video/Awd* Inputs :« Can be used as TV
with VCR or tuner. > Twin Speakers tor
stereo output ;< Supplied with cables for
A500, CGA PC.\C 16-64- 128
£269.95
It's important to remember that most TV Monitors, are still first and foremost televisions, meaning that their average 400 pixel tube display
50% lower resolution than a monitor) cannot be guaranteed to display 80 column text clearly without nsklng eye strain If choosing a Television
Monitor ensure tt has the latest 2000 character tube capability, meaning it can handle the Amigas' 80 characters, by 25 line output clearly.
7*
:«*J'M,V^l\VVi f< 7^n BRAND NFW
SUPERB DEFINITION PHILIPS MONITOR TV. IDEAL FOR AMIGA OR CDTV USERS GIVING FOR THE FIRST TIME TRUE MONITOR
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(FOR THIS FACILITY EXTERNAL AERIAL SHOULD BE USED) I Headphone Jack Socket \ FULL TWO YEAR
GUARANTEE .> 2000 CHARACTER HIGH DEFINITION FST TUBE ; f SUPPLIED WITH LOOP AERIAL /! REMOTE °^ Y '
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POWERPRO. AT NO EXTRA COST, TO REPLACE THE 8833,11. SIMPLY ADVISE US AT THE TIME OP ORDERING) *- fc ^^'^^
AMIGA ACCESSORIES
KCS POWERBOARD IBM PC EMULATOR -Allows you to run many popular IBM PC compatible software - £21 9.95
titles on your Anrga or Amiga A500 Pks > Hercules. CGA A Monochrome Video Support. > Supports Both 3 5 Inch & 5 25 Inch Diskettes
- ts into A501 RAM Slot, 8068 XT Processor. : ; CiocK Calendar Included, :rActs As 5'2K RAM Exp When In Amiga Mode. Xndudes
MS-DOS 4 01 , Shea" & GW-BASlC, DOS-Hetp. & On-Board Memory ^Supports A590 Hard Drrve Mouse Driver Software Included
WHEN ORDERING PLEASE SPECIFY WHETHER YOUR AMIGA IS A l 3 OR PLUS VERSION
KCS POWERBOARD AS ABOVE BUT WITHOUT MSDos 4.01, GW-Basic. She!
£189.95
-£99.95
POWER MONO SCANNER COMPLETE WITH POWER SCAN SOFTWARE
1 00dpi TO 400dpi Supports up to 64 grey shades . Throughport for pnnter etc
Supplied with Power Scan software, allows full screen mage editing interlace mode on or off. edit true grey scale and even colour images
SUPRARAM RX 500 (2Mb. to 8Mb. RAM Expansion)
The RAM expansion owing massive memory WITHOUT dtsmmflng
your Amiga, thus avoiding the po$stb4*y of invalidating your warranty
Easily connects to sidecar with bus pass- through' tor HD's etc.
2Mb. RAM Version CI 99.95 4Mb. RAM Version C329.9S
8Mb. RAM Version CS49 95
NAKSHA MICROSWITCHED MOUSE £24.95
HIGH QUALITY OPTICAL MOUSE £32.95
COMPETITION PRO JOYSTICK 5000 Black £7.95
ZIPSTICK JOYSTICK £12-95
COMPETITION PRO STAR JOYSTICK £14.95
The ONLY joystick to ootain a 100% rating from a magazine review 1
3.5° DISK HEAD CLEANER £2.99
BLANK DISKS with labels
10 Genuine SONY 3 5' branded Only £9.95
50 Genuine SONY 3 5" branded Only £39.95
10 Unbranded with library case 3.5' certified
200 Unbranded 35' certified
Only £7.95
Only £84.95
MIRACLE PIANO TEACHING SYSTEM - Music Keyboard to connect to your Amiga £299.95
I Miracle is the first Piano to teach you how to play it. Whether you want help finding Middle C, or
[ want to learn how to play Mozart, Miracles stunning Amiga Software and Midi Keyboard turns
i learning into FUN. Study Classical, Rock and even Jazz.
I n 128 Built in Sounds 1 Full sized Touch Sensitive keyboard keys 3 Stereo Sound
[ "I Get even more from your Amiga 1 Miracle even gives you a recording studio
[ g Versions for other computers available too, please ask for details
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NASCR and othe* store' cards are Lombard uncharge and are accepted try .
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RET AFTER*
You w* be o/ven uui Extfcisw Technical Support Prtor* N»imbi.i 10 ,
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GORDON
MAC
V — I^s, P*one
ams
JARGON BUSTING
Basic - Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code is a high-level
programming language, much favoured by micro-computer users. It
combines a fair amount of power with ease-of-use.
C - A compiled language designed primarily for systems programming. It was
used to write much of the Amiga's operating system, and is used in the
writing of many Amiga applications.
Format - A process of preparing a floppy disk so that it can be used by the
Amiga. With Workbench 2, floppies can be formatted with the Fast Filing
System to make them operate quicker, but with more likelihood of errors.
Partition - Part of a hard drive separated off from the rest. As far as
Workbench, AmigaDOS and the rest of the world is concerned, a partition
is a disk in its own right. Problems do come to the fore when you try to
copy data between two partitions on the same drive.
Prlntf - A standard function supplied with C which enables programmers to
send output to the screen.
Trancendental function - A mathematical function associated with
logarithms. Each transcendental function has its opposite, such that if
the log of a number Is taken, and the anti-log taken of the result, the
final number will be the same as the initial one.
(ontinued from poqe 54
mathffp.h file I can only assume
that the mathtrans SPPow() Is
being used as the disk with the
libraries on Is called for when the
program Is first run.
According to the documentation
supplied the mathtrans library Is
opened when one of Its functions Is
used and so manual opening Is *
unnecessary. I have done this to
use the SPPow() function directly
but there Is no difference In the
solution. Is my problem unique or Is
the mathtrans SPExp() library
function really that bad?
David McKone
Chester-Le-Street
County Durham
The ffp (fast floating point) libraries
are based on a Motorola format
which uses 24 bits for the mantissa.
Ignoring the accuracy of the
algorithms used to compute the
FINDING THE BOOK
Amiga Shopper
recently mentioned
a book called HISott
Basic but I've not
been able to find It In any
bookshop. Can you please tell me
where I can get a copy from?
HS Sherglll
Uttleover
Derby
I think the simplest thing to do is
write directly to HiSoft. Its address
is HiSoft, The Old School,
Greenfield, Bedford MK45 5DE.
The book, incidentally, costs
£14.95. PAO
.
various transcendental functions, the
representation error will be 1 in 24
bits, ie about one part in 'two times
ten to the power seven'! You would
therefore expect errors from around
the eighth significant figure onwards.
This is much better than you have
found and your problem lies not with
the accuracy of the ffp routines but
with your use of the NorthC printf()
function.
If, for example, you try to print
the value of e/100 using the
following program:
ttinclude <atdio.h>
#include (math.h>
main()
{
double x;
x-1;
printf("%f \n",exp(x)/100.0);
>
you will get a result with six decimal
places, 0.027183, where only the
first five are correct. If however you
try to calculate a value that is one
hundred times greater than e, using
this modified program:
#include <stdio.h>
#include (math.h>
malnO
<
double x;
x-1;
printf("%f \n",100*exp(x))/
>
you will get a result of 271.828188
which, as you'll doubtless know,
gives a value of 100 times e correct
to eight significant figures.
These results suggest that, like
most other printf() implementations,
the NorthC version defaults to
floating point number display
containing six decimal places with
the last figure rounded.
The NorthC documentation
suggests that floating point
formatting has not been
implemented but a few experiments
along the lines of the above pieces
of code showed quite clearly that it
is. If, for instance you modify my first
example so that it uses a ten digit
floating point format string, ie use
"%10.10f \n" rather than "%f \n",
you'll find that instead of 0.027183
you'll get a result of 0.0271828184
which is 'significantly' better (sorry,
couldn't resist that one) than the
results of the first program would
lead you to believe.
The bottom line then is that
when using printfO to display these
ffp values you just need to modify
your format strings so that the
appropriate number of digits are
printed. PAO
FRAME RATE FIX
To help me work out
I the number of pre-
and post-roll frames
of my video gear I
made up an animation using
DPalnt4 on my Amiga 500. I
produced a sequence of -100 to to
+100 pages, twice, and
Interspersed It with 200 blank
frames.
Transferring this anlm at 25
frames per second resulted In every
5th frame doubling up. Only by
running at 30 FPS could I achieve a
25 FPS video run correctly. I wonder
whether my A500 Is running slow or
are all A500s the same due to some
bug In the NTSC to PAL system.
Secondly, when I attempt to
transfer a sound sample captured
on my Mastersound sampler to
DVIdeo3 or Disney Animation Studio
I get a "Not an SMUS file" error. If
all programs are IFF, what's going
on?
Fred Wells
Leeds
W Yorks
I'm fairly sure that this is no bug.
What you're seeing is either the
product of your Amiga just not being
able to push data through fast
enough, or (and this is my favourite
theory) that the maximum 30 FPS in
DPaint4 is a hangover from the NTSC
version.
As you know. NTSC frame rate is
30 FPS, and the software is
American. Port it over to PAL. and 30
FPS probably equates to 25 FPS in
reality - as you have discovered. You
should also be aware that the larger
screen formats, especially hi-res
overscan in 16 colours, will run
increasingly more slowly as they are
more memory intensive.
For your information, SMUS is an
oldish IFF format developed for
musical scores. It never really
became widespread, but programs
such as DeiuxeMusic and Music-X
can save, though not load, in this
format. DeluxeVideo can play back
SMUS files, which is where your
problem originates.
However, the sound samples
which Mastersound saves, though
still in an IFF format (either *SVX or
RAW. I think) are not in SMUS
format. IFF (Interchange File Format)
is more a philosophy than a format,
as graphics are also saved in IFF
ILBM format, but you can't load
these into most music software, for
instance.
My reading of your trouble is that
you are trying to load a sound
sample (as produced by
Mastersound) as a Tune Track in
DVideo, which only accepts SMUS
files - hence the error message.
What you should be doing is Playing
the sample as part of a Scene.
I suggest you try opening a
scene, adding a new track, then
defining it as sound, loading one of
your samples and then playing back
the scene. All should now be well.
GW
HARD UPGRADE
My QVP hard drive
came supplied with a
single partition
configured for use
with Workbench 1.3. I have since
replaced the machine with an A500
Plus and would like to re-configure
the drive with two partitions and
Workbench 2. 1 do not have
anything Important stored on the
drive, but since the thing cost over
£400 I do not want to blunder about
on my own.
JL Jones
Birkinhead
Merseyside
The first stage of the process is to
reformat the drive using the
Faastprep utility supplied by GVP.
This will allow you to set up the
number and size of partitions: two
equal-sized ones are a good start.
The formatting procedure is quite
painless and you should have no
problems following GVP's excellent
manual. You can manually copy all
the Workbench 2 disks from the
Shell using the following command
on each:
copy from dfO: to dhO: all
If all else fails ask your local
specialist dealer. NASCR (National
Association of Specialist Computer
Retailers) members in particular, are
specialists in this sort of area and
should be able to get you going for a
minimal fee. MS
62
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
mm.
HARD DISK HARD TIME
HI have recently been
given a Rodime 40Mb
hard disk Oust the
drive and no other
circuits) and I would like to know If
It would bo possible to connect this
to my A boo. If so, could you give
mo details of how this could be
dor.o? Would I require a HD
controller or would I be able to
make an Interface for the hard disk
myself?
A Gosling
Wythenshawe
Manchester
Without hnowing more details on the
Rodime drive (Rodime went out of
business last year, so the company
won't be able to help you) it's
difficult to say what type of drive it is
or how to connect it. If it's a SCSI
drive you can link it up to almost any
Amiga SCSI controller (such as the
Amiga A590 hard drive). If it's any
other type, you're probably better off
losing it somewhere. JR
CASE FOR CONVERSION?
HI have a 2Mb ASOO
Plus and I am thinking
about upgrading the
machine with a GVP
hard drive for the Amiga 2000 using
a Checkmate expansion case as the
price seems to Just about balance
out against the A500 GVP drive. Do
you think that this Is wise?
Is the Checkmate 1500 system
compatible with most A2000 cards?
Can I mount the new A690 CD-ROM
drive Inside the 1500 case? Does
the A690 have a SCSI interface? I
believe that I can also use A500
cards Inside the 1500. Is this
correct?
Martin Remlng
Paisley
Scotland
I'm afraid, Martin, that your
calculations may be a little incorrect.
The Checkmate Digital 1500 is still
being sold for around £200 and the
A2000 GVP hard drive controller with
52Mb drive is £300. However, the
price of the A500 GVP drive {which
can be connected directly to the
A500 without any extra hardware) is
just £380. Add the price of the GVP
A2000 drive to the Checkmate drive
and you'll actually end up spending
£120 more for a system that is no
more capable than the standard
A500 GVP system.
Even if the prices did balance
out, I think you'd be unwise to go for
the Checkmate 1500. Having owned
one myself for a couple of years now.
I have never been particularly
impressed. The overall quality of
construction is rather low to say the
least, with many of the parts failing
to connect altogether. If you really do
want a replacement casing, then why
not check out Checkmate's HiQ
Tower system, a much better (and
better built) replacement casing for
the A500 based around a PC
compatible tower system casing.
Failing that, sell your A500 and buy
an A1500 instead (you should be
able to pick them up for about £500
these days).
The bog standard Checkmate
1500 system isn't compatible with
any A2000 cards - this is an
optional extra which adds to the
price of the whole system. As it
stands, the 1500 can handle a
single A2000 card which can be
either a standard Zorro II card or a
video card (a genlock, for example).
If you want to add extra A2000
cards, then you're stuck. Checkmate
had planned to produce an
'OverRider* box which allowed a few
more A2000 cards to be used, but
this never actually arrived (it became
vapourware. as the techies say).
Although the 1500 can handle
the A590 hard drive, it cannot handle
the A690 CD-ROM drive simply
because you need to be able to
remove the CD-ROM caddie' every
time you wish to load a new piece of
CD-ROM software.
Because of its age. the 1500
has not been designed to handle any
device that uses removable media
other than the standard Amiga floppy
drives. I'm sure Checkmate will build
this facility into the HiQ tower,
however. JH
FATHER AND SON
Son writes:
I have acquired a
Mlcrovrtec Cub
monitor and Mlcrollne
80 printer. Which cables would I
need to connect to my Amiga 500
Plus and are they available?
Colin Swift, age 11
and...
Father writes:
In Amiga Shopper dated December
1991 you state that the Mlcrovltec
Cub can be used with the Amiga
500 Plus. My son's queries
regarding the use of the monitor and
printer stem from the fact that I am
unable to obtain any Information
regarding their compatibility. Can
you help?
L Swift (no age given)
Nottingham
As long as the Cub you have has a
TTL input (6-pln DIN : l=Red.
2=Green, 3=Blue, 4=Composite
sync. 5=Ground and 6=Not
connected) connection you'll be OK.
Then you'll need to get hold of a copy
of Amiga Shopper 3 (page 113)
where electro-doctor; Smiddy takes
you step by step through fixing your
TALLY MAN BLUES
P^^IB My Mannesman Tally MT81 printer keeps double spacing. I
L ^J^ "**• M *d a " tne drivers on the Extras disk, with various
m ^^^j setting of the dip switches - IBM/Epson emulation.
_^^*H linefeeds on/off for example - all to no avail.
I rang Mannesman Tally but the person I spoke to wasn't very
Interested. The girl said the printer has to be In IBM mode. Help.
Nell Croft
Herringthorpe
SYorfcs
With dip switch SW1-1 switched on (that's block 1, switch 1) the MT81
emulates an Epson FX-85. and so it should work with either the EpsonXOid
or EpsonX[CBMJv1PS-1250] drivers.
The double linefeed is being caused by the Amiga sending a linefeed
and the MT81 providing its own linefeed, so SW1-2 should be off to prevent
this.
After changing dip switches you must switch the printer off and on again
for the changes to be recognised. JW
Amiga to a TTL-equipped Cub. This
involves a small amount of internal
tinkering to make the Cub work with
the Amiga's 4096 colours, rather
than TTL's eight, but this should be
easy enough for most folks. If you
don't fancy making the lead yourself
you should contact Meedmore Ltd
• 051 521 2202, which supplies
both kits and the ready-made article,
along with additional notes - in case
you cant contact the Amiga
Shopper's back issues department
■ 0458 74011.
Before you can decide what
connector you need for the Microline
80, an oldish 9-pin printer made by
Oki. you'll have to establish whether
it is configured as a parallel or serial
printer, since it was originally
available in both formats.
Next you'll need to select a
printer driver to control it. but I'm not
sure that there is a specific driver
available for the 80. As I was told,
this printer doesn't have any
facilities for emulating Epson or IBM
printers, as most modem printers
do, so it isn't possible to use a
standard EpsonX-type driver.
However, there should be a printer
driver called 0kidata_92 in
Devs/Printers on your Workbench
Extras disk which you need to copy
into the Devs/Printers drawer of your
boot disk.
After you've done this open
Preferences/Printers and select
0kidata_92 from the Printer Drivers
list and Parallel (or Serial) for the
Printer Port setting. If the printer is
using a serial port you may also
need to make some adjustments to
the Preferences/Serial settings. You
should find the required settings in
the manual (if you have one). If not.
a call to Oki technical support
« 07535 31292 may be necessary.
You will probably have to make
other adjustments to get everything
exactly right but you should now at
least be able to get started. GW
EXPONENTIAL DECAY
Having written a
simple ARexx script
to generate a data file
with x and y co-
ordinates I need to calculate
fractional exponents. All ARexx
returns Is Error: 48 (severity 10).
This basically Is telling me that I
cannot perform an exponential to a
fractional Index. Is there any way
around this? I know that in the
mathsieeedoubtrans. library there Is
a function called IEEEDPEXP, but I
do not know how to access external
libraries from ARexx. Can you help?
Andrew Porter
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
You'll find all the technical details of
external library ARexx interfacing in
the ARexx User's Reference Manual.
This can be obtained from the Amiga
Centre Scotland (tr 031 5574242)
but there is incidentally a
RexxMathLib library on Fish disk 227
which has been designed to make
various high-level math functions
such as sin, tangent, log. exp etc,
easily available from ARexx. PAO
FAST FORMAT
a) I am considering
| ' getting an expansion
based RAM pack such
as the Supra 500RX,
but I am worried about compatibility
problems. Can this sort of RAM be
switched off?
b) How long will It be before Plus
owners can buy programs confident
they will work?
c) Are there any PD DTP programs
for the A500 Plus? I'm having a lot
of trouble finding PD that works on
the Plus and I'd be grateful If you
could mention this.
d) How can I format my disks using
the Fast Filing system?
Stephen Richards
Bamsley
S Yorks
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST • 1992
63
a) This is a case of horses for
courses. Some external expansions
such as the 500RX have disable
switches, others don't. Generally
speaking such things are an
unnecessary gimmick because all
software should support expanded
RAM and the vast majority does.
b) How long is a piece of string?
Every enhancement brings with it
change and incompatibility. Time and
time again, Commodore insists that
developers follow strict rules to
maintain upward compatibility; time
and time again, programmers ignore
the rules and problems arise. This
should never happen; it does though.
One exception affects the CDTV
since the 1.3 Kickstart (which used
to be considered sacrosanct insofar
as the CDTV was concerned) is
gradually being replaced by 2.x.
c) There is one called Tex, but this is
very difficult to use. A much better
system (Gold Disk's PageSetter) was
given away with issue 34 of our
sister magazine. Amiga Format
Don't leave it too long though - back
issues are in short supply. You may
like to know, our PD columnist, Ian
Wrigley also uses an A500 Plus so
anything which runs on his machine
should be work fine on yours.
d) You can do this from Shell using
the following command to format a
disk in the internal drive:
format drive df : name J
empty fffl
Even so, fast filing system is not
recommended for use on floppy
disks because of its inherently lower
redundancy. MS
DTP STILL IN BITS
I wrote to you
recently concerning
B^ missing lines of
graphics during
output to my Star LC24-200 using
PageStream 2.1. Your reply
suggested a memory Insufficiency,
and to confirm this by printing at a
lower density.
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
Bit - A binary digit, with a possible value of zero or one.
Byte - A collection of eight bits. A byte is the smallest unit of memory that a
computer's processor can access.
Kickstart - The most basic and central part of the Amiga's operating system.
These days it is held in ROM. so that it is immediately present when the
machine is switched on. AlOOOs have Kickstart on a floppy disk
meaning that on power up this disk must be inserted before the
Workbench disk.
ROM - Read Only Memory is used to store essential programs, such as
Kickstart and many of the library routines. These do not have to be re-
loaded each time the Amiga is switched on because ROM retains its
contents without power. No new information can be written to ROM,
hence the name Read Only.
Startup-sequence - A program which is executed every time the Amiga is
switched on and after every reset. It sets up the system so that it is
usable from Workbench, and may be customised by those who have
unusual hard or software requirements.
This I did, and the output was
OK. So I put It down to the above.
However I do require the higher
density output so I bought a QVP
HD8 hard drive plus 4Mb of memory.
This has not solved my problem -
only one page has been created and
it Is not that large <A4), with little
print on It.
I have printed out on maximum
density to a Citizen 9-pln with no
problems, so I surmise a printer
RAM buffer problem. However I
don't have problems with Deluxe
Paint III or other applications. Could
I have an on-board RAM problem?
Peter Clark
Wlgan
Lanes
1 don't understand what you mean by
"only one page has been created",
but let's take this opportunity to
learn a bit more about how DTP
programs print pages to
monochrome dot-matrix printers.
Keeping it as simple as possible,
what they do is print a graphics
dump of an enormous bitmap, which
has to be created in memory first,
DO, DO RUN ROM
|||V ^n lf nave f,tted my Aml 6 a with a R0M 5witcher to enable me to
^B ^J use both 1.3 and 2.x Kickstarts. However, although the
^^ ^H machine works fine under 1.3, It refuses to autoboot my
yF !■ Vortex hard disk when I switch to Kickstart 2. Could this be
a problem with the personality module which was released before
Kickstart 2?
A Mackeriil
Swansea
South Wales
The Vortex system is getting a bit old now. but It should (theoretically)
automount and autoboot under Kickstart 2 if It works OK with Kickstart 1.3. 1
have only come across this once before with an ancient A590 which showed
a similar malady on the A500 Plus. You could try contacting Vortex
Systemas. GmbH, at Falterstrasse 51-53. D7101. Rein Germany, to see if rt
has a more recent version of the ROMs. MS
either all in one go or in smaller
strips if memory is tight. If you are
printing an A4 page at 360 by 360
dots per inch, the full bitmap will be
(8.27in * 360) dots wide by (11.69in
* 360) dots high, which is 2,977
dots by 4,208 dots.
Now, if each dot on the page
requires one bit of memory, this
means we need 2,977 by 4,208 bits
of memory to hold the complete page
in memory - which works out at
12,527,216 bits; and as there are
eight bits to a byte, this calculates to
1,565,902 bytes; and as there are
1,024 bytes to one kilobyte this
works out to be 1.529K (about
1.5Mb).
If we were printing at 'half that
resolution, 180 by 180 dots per
inch, that same page requires 1489
* 2104 dots = 3,132,856 bits =
391,607 bytes = 382k.
Your 9-pin Citizen, which has a
top resolution of 240 by 216 dots
per inch, requires 1984 * 2525 dots
= 5.009.600 bits = 626,200 bytes =
612K.
Now I'm not saying that the
above description is exactly how
PageStream prints its pages - only
the developers will know that - but it
serves as an example of how
doubling the output resolution
requires four times the memory, not
twice the memory.
It doesn't matter what's on the
page, by the way, a completely blank
A4 page requires the same amount
of memory as one covered in text
and graphics. The blank page is just
a bitmap composed of lots of 'white*
dots.
5Mb of memory should be plenty
for PageStream to render a full A4
page at 360 by 360 dots per inch,
unless there is something else using
up that memory. Compugraphic fonts
eat memory, the larger the font the
more memory required, and because
of the way PageStream works,
bitmap (IFF ILBM) pictures take up a
lot of memory as well. If your
document has many pages with text
and graphics on, all these pages are
taking up memory even though you
can't currently see them. I'd guess
that you'd start having output
problems if your document had four
pages filled with Compugraphic
fonts, and a couple of coloured
bitmaps on each page.
The other problem is that the
memory required for printing almost
certainly needs to be all in one
contiguous lump. As you work,
importing things and moving around
your document laying things out, the
Amiga will allocate blocks of memory
here and there as required, and
when it comes to printing the page
perhaps memory has become so
fragmented that there isn't a large
enough contiguous chunk left to
render the page properly.
The answer might be to save
your document, reset the Amiga to
de-fragment memory, and load and
print your document. This tip
certainly works with Professional
Page when the 'bits missing' output
problem happens. You could also try
splitting your document, saving it as
separate pages, then loading and
printing each page one at a time.
In my experience - and believe
me I'm not just saying this because
you have 5Mb of memory - in my
experience I've found that almost all
the DTP problems disappear once
you get to 7Mb. This really is one
problem that can be solved by
throwing money at it. JW
SOUNDING OFF
I recently bought the
ISBS1 Omega Projects
Sound Enhancer
which is supposed to
work at its best when the Internal
audio filter Inside the Amiga Is
turned off. How do I do this?
Programs like OctaMED allow you
to turn It off from within the
program but Sequencer One Plus
does not seem to have such a
facility. Because of this limitation
have have been forced to run both
OctaMED and Sequencer One
concurrently just so that I can use
Sequencer One with the Sound
Enhancer. Is there a better way of
getting around this problem?
John Griffiths
Hodderdon
Herts
The Amiga's audio filter is actually
controlled through one of the
peripheral control bytes in the Amiga
CIAs which are located at HEX
BFE001 (Decimal 12574721). If you
have a copy of AmigaBasic then you
can write a small program which
could be placed in the startup-
64
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
sequence of your hard drive to
automatically turn off the audio filter
during boot up. Here's the code that
will do the job:
A - PEEKBU2574721) XOR 2
POKEB 12574721, A
If you have access to an assembler,
then the code is even simpler. All
you neod lo o single line:
BORZ.B #2,$BrE001.
This register actually toggles the
audio filter on and off so all you need
to do to turn the audio filter back on
again is to run the code above a
second time. JH
B J-130 D RIVER
I^^^B I have recently bought
L J^ a Canon BJ-130
Wt^^^jj^ printer and I am
* having all sorts of
problems with printer drivers.
The BJ-130 driver In
PageStream 2.1 produces garbage,
however the Epson 9-pln works
perfectly. Also, the Workbench
EpsonX|CBM MPS- 1250| driver
works fine with Notepad and
Graphlcdump. But nothing that
conies with Pen Pal or PageStream
II works, nor any other program I
have tried.
I would appreciate It If you could
tell me where to get a suitable
driver.
Peter Okleford
Mt Albert
New Zealand
You're right, the BJ-130 driver
supplied with PageStream does not
work with the BJ-130. 1 told Soft-
Logik about this almost two years
ago. Plainly the company didn't
believe me.
What you need is the proper
Workbench CanonBJ130 driver,
which is on Jamdisk 2 and will cost
you £5 air mail from: JAM, 75
Greatfields Drive, Uxbridge, UB8
3QN, United Kingdom. To use it with
PageStream you should select
PageStream's 'Preferences' driver.
JW
PROTEXT LC-200 DRIVER
I've created a really
good printer driver for
the Star LC-200
printer for use with
Protext which makes use of all
possible fonts, colours, sizes and
pitches. Am I allowed to distribute
rt, or will Amor get annoyed?
Adam 5 Pearson
Gateshead
Tyne & Wear
If your Protext Star LC-200 driver is
bug-free and as good as you say it is,
I should think that Arnor would
probably be interested in including it
on the Protext Printer Drivers
distribution disk. If you play your
cards right you might even be able to
wangle a free copy of Prodata In
return.
In the meantime, if anyone wants
Adam's Star LC-200 driver - and
remember, it's not a Workbench
printer driver, it's only for use with
Protext 5.0 and later - then send a
blank formatted disk and stamped,
self-addressed envelope to: Adam S
Pearson, 19 Camborne Grove.
Gateshead. Tyne & Wear NE8 4EX.
(And Adam, speak to Amor about
your clock problem while you're at it.
Ask for a free upgrade to the latest
version, only don't tell them I told
you to). JW
MACHINE CHOICE
JJSB I am writing for some
r advice on buying an
t^J^ Amiga. When the
A500 first came out I
bought one and was very pleased
with It. I had It for quite some time
before having to reluctantly sell It.
Having lost touch with the
Amiga scene I am not entirely
familiar with the Amiga 1500, 2000
or 3000 ranges or their capabilities
and I would be very grateful If you
could tell me a Httle about all the
machines currently available
Including the A 500. A500 Plus and
the new A600. I have a wide range
of computing Interests (not Just
games!) so I'd be very grateful If
you could advise me on which model
I should buy.
M Milne
Tankerness
Orkney
Which machine you buy depends
entirely upon how much you wish to
spend and what you want to do with
your Amiga. Unless you are intending
to use the Amiga for professional 24-
bit graphics, then you don't really
need one of the new high-end A3000
machines. If you intend to expand
your machine quite substantially then
an A1500 is for you. But if your
needs are fairly minimal then go for
an A500 Plus.
Anyway, here's a quick rundown
of the Amiga range as it currently
stands. I've tried to highlight which
machines are good for which
applications.
• A500 Plus - The replacement
machine for the classic A500, the
A500 Plus boasts 1 Mb RAM as
standard and comes complete with
Workbench 2 and the new Enhanced
Chip Set which gives more screen
modes, more chip RAM and a more
capable blitter. The A500 Plus is
ideal for games, small business use
and amateur video, DTP, music and
graphics work. A good all-rounder for
home users.
L
UNSUCCESSFUL SID
I have just upgraded my revision 6.2 B2000 to Workbench 2.
I have also Installed the new Denlse chip. I seem to be
having a problem. Every now and again my monitor screen
goes one colour with lines In another colour going up from
the bottom of the screen to the top. When this happens my computer
crashes. This problem happens at random and 95% of the time while I'm
running SID 1.06. Is this a problem with SID or Is It possible that one of my
new upgrade chips Is damaged?
Robert Hart
Roehampton
London
Not being a great fan of SID (until version 2 anyway), I haven't seen this
problem before, tt sounds like a software crash (the vertical lines are sprites
gone mad), but this could be caused by a hardware problem - I'd need much
more Information to diagnose this problem. JR
• A600 - The new A600 machine
boasts a similar spec to the A500
Plus but is rather limited in its
expansion capabilities. It can only be
expanded to 4Mb RAM and cannot
uso A500 hard drives and RAM
expansions that connect to the
machine through the bus connector.
It features an all-new ROM Card
facility which enables software to be
used which is stored on credit card
sized ROM cards. Currently though,
virtually no ROM card software
actually exists. The A600 is good for
absolutely nothing. Take my advice -
don't even think about buying an
A600, at least for the moment!
• A1500/B2000 - Both are virtually
the same machine apart from an
extra floppy drive which is fitted to
the A1500 (which just happens to be
the cheaper machine). Comes with
1Mb RAM (expandable to 9Mb),
Workbench 2 and the new Enhanced
Chip Set. Both machines are very
expandable and feature separate
keyboards. An excellent choice for
both home and professional use.
• A3000 - Available in a number of
different specifications, the A3000 is
the flagship of the Amiga range.
Based around the high speed 32-bit
68030 processor, the A3000 is
available in both 16 and 25 MHz
versions with either 50 or 100Mb
hard drives as standard. Comes as
standard with 2Mb Chip RAM
expandable to 16Mb on board.
Because of its price however, the
A3000 is strictly for professional use
only. JH
C REQUESTER
Using Intuition from
C, I want to display a
requester using four
string gadgets, all of
which the user will usually
complete. I'm OK so far but would
like to save the user swapping
between mouse and keyboard so
that when the requester appears
the cursor Is already In the first
gadget.. When the user presses
[Return] I would like the cursor to
move to the next gadget and so on.
Pagesetter II does this - how is It
achieved?
J Flynn
Yate
Avon
There is an Intuition library function
that has been specially designed for
this type of string gadget situation.
It's called ActivateGadgetO and the
usage details are as follows:
ActivateGadget (gadget_p, J
window_p, requester^?)
gadget_p is a pointer J
to the gadget.
window_p is a pointer J
to the window containing J
the gadget.
re<2ueBter_p. . . ia a pointer J
to the requester structure.
The window and the requester must
be active before the routine can be
used with success. PAO
MORE POWER
Ha) Since buying my
Power Computing
1.5Mb expansion and
converting to 1Mb
Chip memory, RAD: has stopped
working! When I do a warm boot
everything gets lost - what can I
do?
b) My machine has started crashing
occasionally. Nothing too
spectacular - the screen Just goes
grey. Is this due to a lack of power?
If it Is due to a lack of power,
should I rig a separate PSU to my
PC880A external drive?
c) My floppies have a habit of
taking an extra five minute to boot
load - producing a strange grinding
noise from the drive. I can
sometimes get round this by
booting Workbench with the dodgy
disk In DF1:. Why Is this?
Jeremy Sharp
Newbury
Berkshire
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
65
SCART AND
SWEET
Please could you
tell me if I connect
my Amiga to a
video with a
SCART socket will it make any
difference to the picture?
Andrew Barham
Dagenham
Essex
Yes, if the SCART accepts analog
red, green and blue signals, as
most do. But do you mean video
(ie VCR)? Or do you mean
monitor? If you connect to a
SCART VCR make sure that it Is
correctly connected to a SCART
TV with a suitable SCART cable,
not an RF (aerial) cable. The
picture will probably get worse
otherwise! QW
a) RAD in the 1.3 Kickstart was not
designed to function with 1Mb Chip
RAM which is why the device gets
confused and loses data. You can fix
this bug by appending -R to the
SETPATCH command in the startup-
sequence, like this:
setpatch >nil: -r
b) This could be a virus, but it's more
likely to be "one of those things".
Computers crash like this from time
to time - it's just life. It is very
difficult to give a precise diagnosis
unless this happens with certain
pieces of software.
c) That grinding noise is a task
conflict. Two tasks are trying to
access the disk at the same time
and the disk head is constantly
thrashing between two separate
points on the disk. This is usually
caused by poorly written startup-
sequences but in your case I suspect
the culprit is something called the
"disk validator".
It goes something like this: every
time you insert a disk the validator
ensures the structure is secure; this
process normally takes a second or
so. If a file has only be partially
written the validator has to update
certain structures on the disk - since
this is being done while AmigaDOS
attempts to run the startup-
sequence, the disk head ends up
flailing all over the disk. That's what
all the thrashing noise is. Curiously,
you can make this worse by write-
protecting the disk!
The solution is simple. Boot a
Workbench and place all the suspect
disks in your external drive and wait
for the drive light to go out. Watch
carefully, it goes out for about a
second and comes back on again for
an instant - that's the validator. This
happens every time you write
something to the disk and you must
let it complete before re-booting the
machine. If you remove a disk before
it validates you will get a message
like "You must replace volume XYZ:
in DFO:" MS
CONFLICT OF CLOCKS
HA few months ago I
upgraded from a
standard A5O0 to an
A500 Plus. To ensure
100% software compatibility I fitted
a Phoenix ROM Sharer and 1.3
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
Binary - A special number format, consisting of only two numerals - and 1.
It is used by computers to store all information.
Database - An applications program that enables information to be stored
and retrieved in a structured manner. Information can be categorised
according to a user's preference, and searched for according to user-
specified criteria.
Directory - An organisational method of storing files on a disk in a heirarchy.
A directory is a sub-section of a disk which may contain files and/or
further directories. In this way. simitar files can be grouped together.
Flicker fixer - A card that removes the flicker from the Amiga's interlace
mode and the visible scan lines in the non-interlace mode. Interlace
mode is the Amiga's way of doubling the vertical screen resolution, but
normally by effectively halving the screen update rate and creating flicker.
Font - The group of letters, numbers and special characters that comprise
on variation of typeface, eg: 12pt Times. 12pt Times Bold. 12pt Times
Italic. Sometimes (mistakenly) used in desktop publishing to refer to a
type family.
Task - A program running in memory. Under multi-tasking, each task appears
to have its own 68000 processor, without having to worry much about
other tasks interrupting it.
Kickstart chip. Since then I bought
a standard 0.5Mb memory
expansion, but as the A500 Plus
already has an internal clock I just
ordered the version without a clock.
However, when fitted, whether
switched on or not, the 0.5Mb
expansion disables the clock (ie
messages of "Battery backed-up
clock not found" displayed) I cannot
imagine that the ROM sharer is to
blame as this problem occurs In
either 1.3 or 2.x mode.
Also, according to many sources
the 0.5Mb expansions are supposed
to work perfectly well on the A500
Plus, and I have yet to see any
advertisement indicating otherwise.
What's going on? If the ROM sharer
is to blame what Is the remedy?
This Is not an isolated Incident. Two
of my friends carried out exactly the
same procedure with the same
results.
I Cameron
Sacrlston
Durham
With an A501 type card fitted, the
internal clock is disabled and the
clock on the card replaces the one
on the motherboard. Commodore
only recommends A501-type cards
(with clocks) for use with the A500
Plus. While it should be possible to
prevent such a card disabling the
clock, I'm not sure how this is done.
JR
ANIMATIO N STATION
Y~T ~*yk Can you please tell
/i me what software I
would need (If it Is
possible) to run my
'saved' game animations. I have
Deluxe Paint 4 and use a separate
disk to store my animations, is It
possible to run my animations from
this separate disk without having to
load DPalnt 4 first? Is it possible to
make an Icon so that the animation
can be run from Workbench or will I
need a programming language like
AMOS?
Markus Wltcomb
Telford
Shropshire
All you need is the Animation Player
program which is on your DPaint
Animations disk. This will allow you
to run animations from the
Workbench without having to load
DPaint first. JH
DATABASE DILEMMA
I am trying to write a
database program
which will use
random access files
to record the different counties
contacted via Amateur Radio. The
file will have 373 records each of
138 characters (flag 1 byte.country-
name 27 bytes, prefix 10 bytes.
status 9 times 1 byte, confirmation
10 times 9 bytes) and a hashing
algorithm will be used to convert
country-name to a record number.
I've written a test module to set up
blank records, write data to them,
and then read the data back and
this works OK. A similar program to
amend a record however Just
deletes the existing data and writes
the new data as the first record.
I've enclosed listings of the test
modules - can you please advise me
on what Is wrong.
GR Gauntlett
Sprottbrough
Doncaster
Before I try and give you an answer
can I make a general plea to
everyone thinking of sending in
program listings: don't bother. We
are more than happy to help you with
programming problems, to offer
advice and general guidelines. We
are not interested in trawling through
pages and pages of listings to find
your bugs. If you want to write
programs, then you must also learn
the necessary patience to debug
your own programs.
Anyway, just this once...
As far as your second module is
concerned I can see one thing that is
obviously wrong - the file has not
been opened for appending data. It
has been opened for writing new
data whilst discarding the previous
contents.
In short you've written...
output=fopen(f ilename, "wb")
when you should be using...
output-f open ( filename , "ab" )
if you are just writing, or...
output=f open ( filename/ "a+b" )
if you want to read and write. PAO
PC MONITORS
My question Involves
the use of a PC
monitor with my
Amiga 1500, which I
bought after I became frustrated
with the lack of flexibility of my ex-
work 3270 PC system. I thought,
however, that I would be able to use
the PC's monitor with my Amiga,
but this Is where my problems
started.
The monitor, labelled IBM 5272
colour display, Is connected to the
outside world with a 9-pin D-type
connector. I looked up the pin
assignments In the manual and
made a lead to connect my Amiga
to the monitor, linking what I
thought were the correct pins. But
although the monitor seems to
display the correct colours the
picture is continually rolling and
breaking up.
The monitor pins are as follows:
1 to 4 Not connected
5 Green
6 Blue/Intensity
66
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
7 Red/Video
8 Horizontal Sync
9 vortical Sync
I know tho 3270 computer do«s not
uso the standard CGA graphics card
but contains both an APA (All
Points Addressable) display adaptor
and a PS (Programmed Symbols)
card, which I believe are to do with
its use as a mainframe terminal
•muUior. Do»» this have any
bearing on the type of monitor It
uses? Can I use this monitor with
my Amiga or will I have to purchase
a new one? My eyes are going funny
trying to uso my TV1
Brian Parker
Hemel Hempstead
Herts
The 3270 PC is an old type of AT
computer, and a search through
documentation archives by IBM's
Enquiries department (» 081 747
0747) came up with nothing of use
regarding the 5272 monitor, though
there were mentions of it. I suspect
this lack of information is to do with
the fact that the monitor in question
is mid-1980's vintage. The
gentleman at IBM enquiries
suggested I try a couple of its
dealers which had (possibly) sold
these items in the past, but again I
drew a puzzled blank.
Perhaps if there is anyone out
there who can shed some light on Mr
Parker's problem they might like to
contact Amiga Shopper. QW
LOCK ON
H Occasionally, the
Caps Lock key flashes
on and off and the
keyboard locks. Is
there something wrong with the
keyboard wiring and what should I
do?
Aftab Khan
Shepherds Bush
London
It's difficult to say exactly what is
wrong with your machine but the
indications point to a spurious
hardware fault in the keyboard
processor. The only recourse for this
sort of thing is to get the machine
serviced by a recognised repair outfit
such as FMG or WTS Electronics. MS
GOOD CITIZEN
I recently received my
free copy of Citizen
Print Manager, read
the Instruction leaflet
and the ReadMe file, together with
your more In-depth article on
TurboPrint Professional In the April
edition, which I found far more
educational and recommend to
anyone with Citizen Print Manager.
As you state, the new printer
drivers are a vast improvement over
the Workbench ones, especially for
DARK SIDE OF THE DJ
Whenever I try to print IFF Images from PageStream to my
DeskJet 500 they always come out too dark. Is there a
simple solution to this?
Would I get better quality If I converted to halftone and, If
so. which Is the cheapest way to do this? (PageStream can do this but the
quality Is no better.)
Alan Hargreaves
Stoke-on-Trent
Not quite sure what you mean by "convert to halftone'. Of course
PageStream does this, that's how it manages to print coloured pictures on a
black-and-white printer.
What I think you mean is would you get better quality if you first
converted your coloured picture to 16 levels of grey? And the answer is yes,
probably, but then you'd need to lighten the darker shades of grey.
What you really need is The Art Department - not necessarily the
Professional version, the cheaper, cut-down version will do. This package will
convert to grey for you and then allow you to play with the brightness,
contrast and gamma levels of the picture, as well as apply a number of
dithers which will further enhance the output.
If you're waiting for me to tell you how to do it for next to nothing, then
you'll be waiting a long time. Good software tends to cost money. JW
graphics. I use an Installed copy on
a separate floppy disk, but to really
appreciate the software I would like
to Install It on various program
disks. However I And that Citizen
Print Manager takes up a lot more
disk space than Citizen claims.
Would It therefore be possible to
pare down a working copy of Citizen
Print Manager, to make It a lot
smaller? If so, what gets deleted? I,
for Instance, am only Interested In
the Swift 24 driver.
Terry Birch
Castle Donlngton
Derby
It's easier if I say which files you
need, rather than which you should
delete.
OK, let's start with a blank disk,
which we'll call the Swift24 disk for
the purposes of this example.
You need PMPrefs* and
'PMPrefs.info'. You only need
'NoPM' and 'NoPM.info' if you have
the need to remove Print Manager
from memory. So copy both these
files to the root directory of the
Swift24 disk.
You need the whole CONFIGS
directory (there's only one small file
in there), so copy that CONFIGS
directory from the Print Manager disk
into the root directory of the Swift24
disk.
Next create two directories in the
root directory of the Swift24 disk,
called PM and PRINTERS. Into the
PM directory copy the files called
tde'. "ttO' and 'ttl' from the PM
directory on the Print Manager disk -
that's Tee Dee Eee, Tee Tee Zero
and Tee Tee One, just in case of
confusion.
The other 'tt' files are for when
you select another language from the
Print Manager front panel.
Into the PRINTERS directory on
tho Swift24 disk copy the
•Swift24.m' file from the PRINTERS
directory on the Print Manager disk.
And that's it. Comes to about
120,000 bytes all told.
Now copy the entire contents of
the Swlft24 disk on to any of the
program disks you want Citizen Print
Manager to be on. If you haven't got
120,000 free bytes on a program
disk. Citizen Print Manager won't fit
unless you 'crunch' the PMPrefs
program with something like
PowerPacker Professional, which will
probably give you another 40,000
bytes or so of room. JW
KICK IT INI
Whilst using
Demollshers Utilities
which I obtained from
United PD (Disk
PU040) I came across a utility
which claims to be able to load a
Klckstart from disk Into RAM. Once
loaded, the system then treats this
as ROM and reboots the machine
under this new Klckstart version.
Where can I get my hands on copies
of Klckstart disks 1.3 and 2.04 and
how much would they cost?
Morvyn Myies
Perth
I presume the PD program that you
are referring to is either ZKick or
Ktcklt; two utilities which were written
to enable developers to install pre-
release Kickstarts (held on disk as
binary files) to be loaded into RAM
and then used as if they were 'real'
Kickstart chips. Unfortunately,
although the programs themselves
are PD. the Kickstart files that they
feed upon are strictly copyright of
Commodore UK. Unless you are a
registered developer, it is very
unlikely indeed that you will be able
to obtain Kickstart 2.04 as a binary
file (1.3 is not available in this
format).
If you do manage to get a copy of
a Kickstart file, then trash it
immediately unless you want a letter
from Commodore's solicitors to drop
on your door mat. If you really need
to be able to switch between
Kickstart versions, then a Kickstart
ROM sharer board is probably your
best bet. These boards enable you to
switch between two different
Kickstart chips. The one I use (and
recommend) is the Change Kickstart
board from Cortex. It costs £30 and
is available from Cortex w 051 236
0480. JH
FOUNTAIN OF TROUBLE
I have attempted to
use Fountain as
// supplied with
// ■ workbench 2.04. 1
have followed the Instructions given
In the manual to add the ASSIGN
statement to the User-startup file
but when I double click on Fountain
I get the message "cannot open
dlskfont. library V37 ". Can you help
me get Fountain running? I did try
FIXING THE FLICKER
I own an Amiga 1500, recently upgraded to WB 2.04,
Including the Super Denlse. My problem Is that when I try
and select 'productivity mode' the picture completely
crashes, (going white and flashing) forcing me to soft boot.
But If I use any of the other screen resolutions it's perfect (and flicker
free). Is this because I am trying to put the signal through the equivalent
of two flicker fixers (ie Super Denise and the ICD flicker fixer), or because
I had to make the connecting cable from the ICD board to the monitor
myseff?
Nigel Bates
Nuneaton
Warwickshire
It could be your lead causing this problem, as I'm not aware of any
compatability problem with the ICD Flicker Free Video and the Super Denise
chip. I wouldn't get too worried about it: productivity mode ts about as useful
as a chocolate teapot if you've already got a flicker fixer. JR
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 AUGUST • 1992
67
writing to Commodore - but have
received no reply as yet.
JDavtM
Forest HIM
London
Ono possible answer ic to re-assign
the LIBS: assignment io the fonts
disU which contains the new version
of diskfont.library. A typical example
might read;
assign libs: J
f one s2 . 04 : libs : defer
My personal preference is to throw
away diskfont.library V36 (on the
Workbench disk) and replace it with
V37 from the fonts disk. You can do
this as follows;
a) Use Workbench's Show... All files
on the Workbench and Fonts disks.
This will reveal the two "Libs"
drawers.
b) Open the "Libs" drawer on the
■Fonte" dick and locate the
diskfont.library.
c) Now drag the diskfont.library icon
from the Fonts disk to the "Libs"
drawer on the Workbench disk. MS
BRIDGEBOARD WORRIES
Ml have an Amiga 2000
(Workbench 1.3), two
floppy drives, 5Mb
memory (Golden
Image card), an XT Brldgeboard
with 5.25' drive, and a 20Mb hard
drive. I have a few questions:
a) I can't boot the Brldgeboard with
my Amiga memory expansion card
plugged In (Brldgeboard hard disk
works fine without the card). After
booting It will ask me to Insert JHD
or It will Just crash.
b) My Internal and external disk
driv*« ••*m« to b* Incompatible.
(files saved on one drive can't be
read by the other; but new software
can be read by both drives)
c) If I upgrade to the new ECS chip,
will my 1Mb In the A2000 be
converted to Chip RAM?
Michael Thlen Wei Seng
Singapore
Dealing with your Questions one by
one:
a) It sounds like your memory board
is incompatible with the Bndgeboard.
Try to replace it with a different board
(the Commodore, Microbotics and
ICD cards all work with the
Bndgeboard).
b) One (or both) of your drives need
to be looked at professionally. It is
not an easy task to re-align the
heads on Amiga floppy drives, so let
the experts at an Amiga repair centre
look at them.
c) As long as you have a B2000 (with
the composite video output at the
back next to the sound outputs), you
should have no problem converting
to 1Mb Chip RAM. Earlier A2000s
(without the composite video output)
used the same chips as the Amiga
1000, and are not upgradeable. JR
SERIAL MURDER
I have been trying for
ages to get a Brother
HR 15 dolsywhool
printer to print from
my Amiga 500. The problem Is that
I don't know th» right questions to
ask, so the only advice I got from
Brother technical support was that
It Is a serial printer.
Is my printer compatible with
my Amiga? There Is a driver on the
Extras disk called Brother HR-.15XL.
Is this close enough to work?
As I do not have a manual for
my printer, can you tell me which
cable I need? Could you give me the
plnouts so that I can make one
myself.
JE Gould
Waltham Abbey
Yes. the Brother_HR-15XL driver
should work perfectly. To make a
cable for the printer you'll need
details of the Amiga's serial port and
the printer's serial port - look in the
Amiga manual for the former, and
speak to Brother about the latter.
Ask if it can send or sell you a
manual, or at the very least a wiring
diagram for the HR-15's serial port,
plus details of the dip switch
settings.
I warn you though, wire the cable
wrongly and you'll blow up the
Amiga's serial port. Unless you are
experienced at this sort of thing I
suggest you gather all the required
details and give them to someone
who knows what they are doing. JW
MAC AND ME
In Issue 13 of Amiga
Shopper {page 154)
a you printed a review
of Messy SID 2 In
which you stated that the above
program could be used to transfer
Amiga flies to and from the
Macintosh. I bought the program
but have since found that the
claims thai you make In the review
are simply not true. Am I doing
something wrong? If so. could you
please tell me how to transfer files
between the Amiga and Mac using
AfessyS/0.
Evangekw Michallldls
Fallowfield
Manchester
I'm afraid you've got the wrong end
of the stick, Evangelos. As it
currently stands. MessySID cannot
directly read and write Macintosh
formal diskettes - it can only handle
Amiga and MSDOS-format disks. To
transfer a file from the Amiga to the
Mac using MessySID you need a
Macintosh that has a high density
disk drive and a copy of the Mac
program Apple File Exchange (this is
given away with Mac Finder). This
program allows the Macintosh to
read and write standard 720k
MSDOS disks (like those produced
by MessySID).
As you can see. the whole
process of transferring files to the
Mac using MessySID relies entirely
upon the Mac's ability to access
MSDOS disks. If your Mac doesn't
have a high density drive, then
MessySID cannot be used for this
purpose.
If you really need to transfer files
to and from the Mac, then there are
two options available to you. The
cheapest is to treat yourself to a
Mac to Amiga null modem cable and
then use communications software
running on both machines
(something like NCocnm on the
Amiga and Red Ryder on the Mac) to
transfer the files down the null
modem cable. This can be a rather
slow process when you're
transferring larger files (IFF images,
for example), but it's very cheap.
If money is no object then treat
yourself to a copy of Central Coast's
Mac2D0S. This hardware and
software combination will allow you
to connect a Macintosh 800k disk
drive to the Amiga and read and write
files to Macintosh format diskettes
with ease.
Expect to pay around £300 for
the privilege though! Mac2D0S is
available from HB Marketing *■ 0753
686000. JH
NOT MY PAL
r~| ^ Every now and then
/i my computer seems
to switch Into NSTC
mode after a guru or
when I perform a soft reset. I have
been told by a friend that I may
have an American processor which
could result In the machine coming
up In NTSC Instsad of PAL. Is there
anyway of stopping this?
Also, is there any way to tell ff
another disk drive Is present during
the startup-sequence? Finally, my
clock has reset back to 1978. Has
this been caused by a virus?
Calum Metcalfe
Middlesbrough
Cleveland
NTSC on reset is a common and well
known bug in the 1.3 Kickstart ROM
- even the CDTV suffers from it! You
can get round it using a little PD
program (available from all good PD
libraries) called NoPaiReset
You just insert NoPaiReset in the
startup-sequence and if the machine
tries to boot in NTSC. NoPaiReset
then resets the machine (and will
keep on doing so) until it boots in
PAL.
It is possible to check for the
presence of another disk drive during
startup. With your 1.3 Kickstart and
AmigaDOS, it is not very practical
since the command causes a
requester to appear.
Your clock could have lost its
time for two reasons: first, the
battery may have run down; second it
might have been affected by a rogue
program running riot through the
machine.
You can charge the battery by
leaving the machine (not the monitor)
switched on for 24 hours and reset
the clock using the following
command:
setclock reset
That should fix any problems that
may have been caused by a rogue -
not necessarily a virus. MS
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
- Extended Chip Set is the name given to the new versions of the
Amiga's custom chips that handle graphic, sound, memory and so on.
- The Amiga has many special features, and programs are already
present in the operating system to make use of these features. These
programs, or library functions, may (and should) be used by applications
programs, obviating the need for each programmer to write a similar set
of routines.
NTSC - National Television Standards Committee. This is the name for the
TV colour coding system used in the USA and other countries. It has 525
lines, running at 60 fields aand 30 frames/second. It is often, and
perhaps unfairly, japed at as Never Twice the Same Colour by PAL
standard users.
PAL - One of the main TV colour coding system (with the exception of
France's SECAM system), which is in use around the world and was
developed in Britain. PAL refers to Phase Alteration Line. In fact, there
are several hybrid PAL systems in use, all of which are slightly different
Serial port - An interface port at the back of the Amiga, used for connecting
to a modem. Sometimes used for printers.
68
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
AMIGA 600
RANGE...
The net* addition '-
Puls right the Amipa Family has just grown' Not mil. . u you
purchase the A500 Ru* Cartoon Classics Pack, hut no* . you have
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out a Hard Disk Drive huili in'
Both iiuhIcK carry I nmmoJorcs aimprcbenwc new 'In-Home'
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Telephone Help I ine lo assist you with look minor problems, and
on the rare occasion of something more serious, you'll be pleased
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Floppy l>t\i I'm,: Hutlt -in TV Modulator, $Mb Hard link Dm,-,
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MlttlN IXP^ESS LIMITED
om. am , unci a, trxwauc rwxjsnHAL aMM.
STAtlOf* ROAD. KKIkTON. MMYSHIRL Df.* JHR,
DO 6 2 «Mg®_
LISTINGS
We're on the lookout
for programs In any
language which Is
supported on the
Amiga, and we'll pay £20 for any
that we publish.
Programs of any type are
admissable: serious and useful,
wild and wacky, or stunningly
creative. Just remember that we
can't print listings that rely on binary
files for sprites, samples and so on.
All you have to do is pop your
program on an AmigaDOS disk
(along with source code if it is
compiled or assembled) and send it
to us at the following address:
We want your listings! Display
your programming prowess before
your fellow Amiga ns and earn
fame, fortune and everything that
goes with it (well, £20 anyway...)
Listings
Amiga Shopper
Future Publishing
30 Monmouth Street
Bath
BA1 2BW
Don't forget to include a stamped
addressed envelope if you want your
disk returning. Some form of printed
documentation would be nice. too.
This month we've got two
listings from Fu Sang Li of Hackney
in London, who'll be receiving £20.
They're both written in C. and
complied with the PD package
NorthC. The first, handily named SR,
is a text search and replace utility
run from the Shell. Type sr, followed
by the text filename, then the text to
be searched for and the text with
which it is to be replaced. Two
switches are permitted: '/c*
instructs the program to be case
sensitive: '/p' asks it to prompt you
before making any changes. The
second program, TS. is a text
search program. It will accept the
'ft case sensitive switch, and list
occurrences of the matched string
in the text file.
Remember: give us your listings!
LISTING 1
/* Search-and-Replace utility by Fu Sang Li •/
#include<stdio.h>
#define OFF
#define ON !OFF
•define BACKUP_FILE "backup"
void check_ case ( ) ;
main(argc, argv)
int argc;
char *axgv [ ] ;
(
FILE *arc_£p,
*dee_fp;
char word buff [256] , line buff [512] , case sens=OFF,
prompt=0FP, eh, ch2, writ#_«rr-FALSK;
int i, j, k; long line._no«0, exchanges- 0;
if (argc<4)
print f ("\nOsage: SR <Filename> < Search-Text > <Replace-
:> t/c] I7p]\n\n");
else
<
•(arcrV[i]4.1)-tolc*a»r(*(arov[4]+l));
*(axgv[5]+l)-tolcaa»r(*(aryv[5]+l))|
if<!strcmp(axgv[4], W /C) II l»tranp(aryv[5) , */C))
c a a e a ens = ON ;
if (!Btrcmp<axyv[4], *7p") II lBtrcmp(arcjv[5] , "/p")>
prompt *ON;
if (Brc_fp-fopen(aryv[l), "r"))
{
if (dea_fp-fopen(BACKUP_FILE, "W)>
do
{
ch-fgetc(Brc_fp) ;
ifOfaof (arc_fp>)
if(fputG<ca, doa ip)- -EOF)
write_err«TRUE;
)
while (Ifeof <Brc_fp) kk !writ«_«xr);
line no, line buff);
Skip: ");
fclose(src fp) ;
f close (doa. fp) ;
if (lwrita_#rr)
{
■rc_fp-fopen(BACKt7P_FILE, *r~) ;
cWs_fp-fopen<axyv[l] , *W);
while* Ifeof (arc fp) )
(
foet«(line_fauff, 512, src_fp);
lina_no**;
i-0;
J-0;
whilelline buff [i] )
«
ch-line_buff [i];
ch2-M*rgrv[2]+j>;
check case (ca.se sens, fcch, &ch2);
if(ch— ch2)
{
while <ch««ch2)
(
wordjauf f [ j++] «line_buf f [i++] ;
ch-line_buff [i];
ch2«Maryv[2]+j);
check case ( caae sens , fcch , &ch2 ) ;
>
if ( j--strl«n(aryv[2] ) )
c
if (pronpt)
{
char a(2J;
printf CNnLine ^ld:\n\s",
print f ("<CR >- Exchange, S*<CR>-
if<!«tro»p<s, -- ))
<
fputs(argv[3], des_fp) ;
exchangee** ;
>
70
AMIOA SHOPPER • ISSUi 16 • AUOUST 1992
LISTINGS
else
fputs(argv[2], dee_fp);
)
alee
fpute(argv[3] , des fp>;
)
>
else
(
word_buff [j]-'\0' ;
tputs (word tuff, des_fp);
)
j=0;
>
fputc<line_buff [i++], des_fp);
)
)
prlntf C\nDonel Exchangefs): \ld m .
•xchan^si ) ;
printf ("(Orginal file backed up in
' backup '.)\n\n");
fclose<src_fp);
fcloseldes fp) ;
>
else
printf ("\nNot enough disk apace for backup
file!\n\n");
>
else
<
printf ("\nError opening backup file!\n\n") ;
f close <src_fp);
>
)
else
printf ("VnError opening %s!\n\n", argv[l]);
)
void check case (case sens, ch_p» ch2_p)
char case sens, *ch_p, *ch2_p;
i
*ch_p-case_8ena?*ch_p:touppex<*ch_p) ;
*ch2j>«case_Benfl? # ch2_p:toupper(*ch2 _p) ;
)
LISTING 2
/* Text Search utility by Fu Sang Li - 13 May 1991 */
#include<atdio.h>
#define OFF
•Celine on ioff
void check_case ( ) ;
void main(argc f argv)
int argc;
cha r *argv[];
{
FILE *fp;
char line Jxiff [5121,
case sens -OFF,
ch,
ch2;
int i,
J-
if(argc<3)
printf C\nUsage: TS <Filename> <Search-Text> £/c]\n\n");
else
{
ifi<!strcmp<argv[31, "/c") I I lstrcsu<argv[3] , -/C))
case sens =CW, •
if <fp«fopen<argv[l], -r-))
{
whileOfeof (fp))
{
fgets(line_buff, 512, fp);
line_no++;
i-0;
j»0;
freq=0;
while (line buff [il>
f
ebOiMLiniecili
ch2-*(axyv[2]+j);
check_case(case_sens, fcch, fcch2);
if (ch--ch2)
<
while(ch~ch2>
i
i~;
ch-llne_buff [ij;
ch2-*(axgv[2)+j);
check„case< case. sens, fcch, &ch2);
if ( j«-strlen(argv[2] ) )
{
freq++;
count ++;
1
j=0;
)
else
i++;
)
if (freq>0)
printf (
f req, line, no; ;
>
"VJ occurrence ( 8 ) in line \ld.\n",
long line no=0,
count »0, •
if (count>0)
printf ("\n'\e' contains Xld occurrence ( s) .\n\n",
argv(l), count);
else
printf ("\nNo occurrences of '\a' found in
'\e'.\n\n", argv[2], argv[l]);
)
else
printf C\nError opening '\s'!\n\n*\ argv[l]);
>
)
void check, case (caae_sena. ch_p, ch2_p)
char caae.sene,
*ch_p,
•ch2_p;
(
* ch p-caee_ oeno ? *ch p : toupper ( •ch_p) ;
•ch2_p=case_sens? , ch2_p:toupper(*ch2_p) ;
)
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992 W I
Just PROGRESSIVE
040 S ZEUS For 2000/ 1 500 28 Mhz With 4 Meg And Scii £ 1599
if ordered »i the time of purchase you can eel a further 16 megi of 80 nanosec ram
for juat £375 or even faster 60 nanoaec ram for 1450
\fERCt'RY2« Mhz 040 zero K For A30O0/A30O0T £1150
PRORAM 64 Meg 32 Bit Dram for A3000/A3000T. 4 meg £349 16 meg £850
THE NEW 28 MHZ 040 FOR 500/500P With 4 mc-gs £895 8 meg would be
£1025 works with existing ram so your machine can expand to 17 megs!! Works
with 1 J & 2.04 with 2.04 mounted on board, 68000 fall-back mode works ALL hard
drives. The ultimate accelerator. 22mips
VIDEO VIDEO BLENDER the ultimate desktop video with genlock,
unlimited video effects, multitasking, stereo mixing.luma keying, wiping, black
burst, loop tnroug, mixing and many many more, works all Amiga's, VHSS. HI8
RGB etc £999 KRAMEGRABBER £499
RAM BRANDT the much talked about 24 bit card now being shipped at £2499
G. V.P. 030 40Mhz With 4 Meg And Scsi £899
Full GVP Range of drives, 030's etc CALL for prices.
A530 030 40 Mhz With 52 Quantum £699 With 105 Drive £850
Mease note CSA 030 a arc no longer stocked due to hard drive
incompatibilities and their slow speed. The Progressive 040 is now recommended.
FAST 24 BIT CARDS vi**** 24 bu super
Graphics Card With 40 Nansec Video Ram 2000/1500/3000
X5 mhz with 2 or 4 meg ram start £1599 or £1999
110 mhz with 2 or 4 meg ram start £1999 or £2599
135 mhz with 2 or 4 meg ram start £2399 or £3250
Multi-sync 17" or 21 M up to 2048 x 1536 resolution from £999
24 bit video digitiser and software £599
400 dpi colour scanner with software £1799 or 600 dpi at £1999
A500/500P 2 MEG RAM £99
Everything On One Board Up To 8 Meg* Ram A Co-Pro Socket And Sen Interfscc-
TAPE STREAMER i$o meg scsi ext case psu a and cable on
ACCELERATORS UNLIMITED
P.O.BOX87,LYTHAMStANNES,LANCS,FY8 5SP ....
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OPEN 10AM TO 5PM MONDAY THRU 4 THURSDA Csrd .
Mail Order OnJy-OverscM Welcome Surcharges ,
Registered post or courier extra, Pncea include VAT V . . . . J
Fluctuation exchange rate* mean prices may vary-cneck first
Electronic Phone Mail Box available when we are not
^"^ Professional
Video Captioning
# Amiga 1500
# 52MB hard drive
# 4MB ram
# Broadcast Titler
software
# VideoCenter VCI
genlock
# Assembled & tested
£1850 + VAT
5 Mead Lane, Farnham
Surrey GU9 7DY
Tel: 0252 737151
Fax: 0252 737147
THE SURVIVAL GAME
WA It N I X ii !
This interactive programme could save the lives of
yourself and your family or friends
Our Huge 12-disc programme includes hundreds ot
illustrations, animations and sounds written,
compiled and drawn by ex-Special Service Personnel
IT CAN HAPPEN TO YQU.
Fear and intimidation can come to anyone
anywhere in the world
' Would you know what to do to protect yourself?
" Do you really have the expertises are you fooling
yourself?
* Would you make the obvious mistakes like
everyone else?
IPE IF INNOCENTLY CAUGHT
UP IN THESE SITUATIONS?
• Burning buildings?
• Terrorist activity?
• Rape.anfl other sexual devancy?
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•Encountering savage dogs?
Our comprehensive programme will give you the knowledge
to survive these.and many more situations in a way that you
would never get from a book.
OUR PROGRAMME INCLUDES:-
* On screen animated self-defence course.
* Rescue from personal dangers and facing up to
disasters.
* First aid and natural medication.
* Acquiring 1ood.water.ttre and shelter.
" Identification of poisonous plants and dangerous
animals.
' Interactive emergency communications ,
* Direction-finding (SUN MOON STARS).
* Survival psychology.
INCREASE YOUR SURVIVAl CAPABILITIES NOW
YOU MAY NEVER GET ANOTHER CHANCE
CHEQUES AND POSTAL ORDERS FOR f ?9 95 ♦ i2 50 p+i
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. PHONE 0274 6281 74 FAX (SWITCH |
1 ACCESS/VISA
CO AND PC VERSIONS OUT SOON'
VIDEO
Ince the first Amlgas were
released In 1985 It has
been acknowledged that
one of their outstanding
applications Is for adding graphics
and titles to video Images. Judging
by the number of different genlocks
on tho markot and the range of
titling and painting programs
available, this fact hasn't escaped
tho manufacturers and retailers
either. No surprise since many
Amiga owners have access to at
least one VCR or camcorder, and a
lot of vldoo owners will have access
to an Amiga, by rental, purchase or
through friends and relatives.
The cost of video production
equipment has reached the point
where across is potentially available
to millions of people, at many levels.
The quality and specifications are
increasing, while prices continue to
fall and equipment which was
available only to specialised video
companies 10 years ago has
become more affordable and
increasingly popular. A desire to
emulate the professionals, or even
become one, is a logical step
forward for many Amiga video users.
Bearing all this in mind, and
knowing that many of the Amigas in
'serious' use are employed in video
and graphics production. I thought
that it might be worthwhile giving you
a few hints and tips to help you to
improve your own titling efforts.
GETTING STARTED
To use your Amiga for video titles
and graphics, there is a minimum
amount of equipment required. At
the very least you'll need an Amiga
(with suitable software, of course!), a
modulator, a VCR or camcorder and
a TV set. I'd recommend that the
Amiga has at least 1Mb Chip RAM
and not less than 1Mb Fast RAM.
Some programs will require a lot
more than this to produce their best,
and the power of programs such as
DeluxePaint can be greatly increased
by adding another megabyte or two
of RAM. If you are thinking of buying
an Amiga for video use, please don't
be fooled into thinking that a brand
new, straight-out-of-the-box Amiga is
all you need to get instant TV-quality
graphics and special effects. It isn't
accelerator card, should be
considered too.
The same points apply about
video equipment, and the amounts
and costs usually increase in
proportion to the quality you require
and the format you wish to use. It's
possible to buy anything from purely
domestic VHS quality equipment to
full broadcast specification gear.
While a simple domestic quality VHS
rig might cost less than £1000 in
total, a top end digital setup could
cost hundreds of thousands of
pounds, when you take into account
all the video recorders, monitors,
high quality genlocks and other
hardware needed at this level.
An average setup would probably
include a genlock, maybe a video
camera, second VCR and extra
monitor/s. But the cost and amount
of equipment is not what concerns
me here, because whatever level you
are working at. and whatever your
titling needs, you may be interested
to know that there are a number of
simple things which can be done to
effectively improve your image.
Gary Whiteley makes the
headlines with some terrific titling
tips, and shows you how to win
friends and influence people with
the new Smooth Talker and
Hama genloc
snlock
nEADl
r
Much more prominence can be given to words by outlining or drop-
shadowing them, as you can see in the above examples
CARE WITH COLOUR
One of the simplest, and most
important, ways of getting a better
looking picture involves choosing
appropriate colours to work with. You
should always try to avoid using
heavily saturated colours such as
deep reds and blues, as these tend
to 'bleed' on video, and therefore
signal) which is usually sharp and
high quality, and a colour part, which
is where the problems start. In
simple terms, adding colour (the
chrominance element) reduces the
picture quality and smearing starts to
set in. Because this smearing (or
chroma crawl) is worse with highly
saturated colours, the degradation
becomes more noticeable when deep
reds and blues are used.
If you have no choice but to use
such colours, you could try putting a
dark outline around lettering and
logos, rather like the outlines on
cartoon characters. You'll find that
the text becomes more readable
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
Modulator - An electronic gadget used to convert the RGB output from the
Amiga into a video signal acceptable by a standard TV set aenal socket;
other outputs such as composite video and audio may be included.
- it's only a start. You'll need to add
more to it, such as memory, extra
disk drives, maybe a hard drive. If
you're short of the folding stuff then
extra memory is definitely more
important than a second disk drive.
And if you re really serious about
graphics a hard disk, and even an
don't usually look too good at all.
Light colours and pastel shades tend
to work best, especially for lettering.
There are technical reasons for this
which revolve around the fact that a
colour television picture is composed
of two parts - a monochrome video
image {the luminance part of the
Interesting backgrounds can be added to Improve otherwise dull test.
In this case it's a treated digitised image, but it could be live video
Instead. Be careful not to obscure the text though! ,
AMIGA SHOPPE R
16 •AUGUST 1992
73
VIDEO
'CROWDINGSMA'PLTEXT'O'NTCy
IDERSTADIDWMAZy-OU A RE*
*gfc
if 9
00
10 0-00 000000 00 0-0 0.0\
00000 0000 00*00000
0*00
With enough memory, a good collection of artwork (In this Don't make the mistake of putting too much text on a page!
case a Scala background and a PO world map) and Some backgrounds are unsuitable and can distract from the
typefaces you can create some great Images on the Amiga headline. (Just as well when there's a typo!)
Because the edges are less smeary.
Text can be made smaller if need be.
If you have enough memory
available use the highest screen
resolution your software permits.
This will help to reduce the jaggies,
db yuu'll ue using smaller pixels to
draw with, and your graphics will look
sharper. Remember that it's not
always necessary to have 32, or
even 16, colours on screen, so even
1Mb Amigas have a chance of
producing something good. I only use
HAM for text if I really have to, as the
fringing effects this mode produces
can sometimes make the whole thing
look messy, and its highest
resolution is Interlace.
You should always use an
Overscan screen size if you can. then
you won't risk the possibility of
cutting your graphics off at the edges
of the screen. Unlike the Amiga's
'standard' screen sizes (eg 320 x
256, 640 x 512 etc) which do not
cover the whole of a normal TV
screen, overscan screen sizes (eg
352 x 290. 704 x 580) stretch
beyond the edges of the average TV
screen and so really are full screen.
This is important, especially where
information moves on and off the
screen, for instance with scrolling or
crawling text, otherwise
unacceptable cropping could occur.
LOW STEPPING
Anti-aliasing can also be a great help
in improving the look of your
presentations. Instead of the usual
jaggy edges which plain non-
horizontal or vertical lines take on, a
degree of smoothing can be achieved
by using intermediate tones to
visually soften the staircase effect. If
you have ever used DeluxePaint /Vs
anti-aliasing functions you will be
aware lust what improvements can
be made. But even if you don't have
DPaint IV and have to make the
adjustments by hand you should still
find the extra work worthwhile
because the end result is usually
immensely improved.
Smoothing text can be a more
difficult proposition altogether, as
DeluxePaint IV cannot do this directly
while adding type to a picture, which
is a pain. Even 24-bit paint programs
leave something to be desired here,
so the best option is to use pre-
processed fonts, either as Colorfonts
(which are special multicoloured
bitmap fonts) or proprietary fonts
such as those provided with
programs like Broadcast Titler 2.
Colorfonts will often be more flexible
as they can be used with many
Amiga paint programs, and you can
use a utility such as Anti-A or
Calligrapher to make them from
normal bitmap fonts. The drawback
with using such multicoloured
typefaces is that they use up colours
from the palette, so you must make
allowances when designing your
images. You should be aware that
some of the more expensive titling
programs, most notably Scala and
Broadcast Titler 2. can perform anti-
aliasing on typefaces directly, which
is often a great aid to producing
quality results.
PLANNING
It might seem an obvious tip to give,
but planning your titles and graphic
sequences really is important and
can save a lot of time later on when
you find that all your work has to be
changed because you have to use
less colours, or a different
resolution, or some other problem
has arisen that you did not foresee.
If you make a serious mistake at the
planning stage you should be able to
fix it quickly. If you are half way
through your graphics sequence you
• Colour choice - Avoid saturated colours, especially reds and blues.
Choose lighter colours wherever possible.
• Screen size - Use overscan formats whenever possible, then graphics
won't be cut off before the edges of the screen.
• Graphic size - Avoid small graphics and typefaces - they can be difficult
to read and transfer badly to video. Avoid lines less than 2 pixels wide.
• Layouts - Lay out graphics so that they are balanced and well spaced.
Don't overcrowd them. If they are easy to read the message will get across.
• Timing - If you have something to communicate at least give the viewer
time to read it fully.
• Typefaces - Whole books have been written about typeface usage.
Basically, use a typeface to reflect the content of your title. Design your own
if necessary. But don't be afraid to mix it up a bit.
• Backdrops - Under the right circumstances a well chosen backdrop can
greatly improve a title.
• Anti-aliasing - Smoothing out the jaggies will often improve the look of
your graphics enormously.
• Be appropriate - Stick to the subject. Keep it snappy. Make it stick. And
don't add extras that aren't necessary!
• Viewing distance * Remember to step back from the Amiga monitor from
time to time and check your work from a more realistic viewing distance.
Nobody watches TV at the distance a computer monitor is viewed from.
And don't forget the planning!
might just have to start over.
There are many aspects of
graphics and titling which require at
least some degree of planning.
Colour choices, for instance. How
many colours do you really need?
Will you be using ColorText? Will
different pages need different
palettes? Do some colours need to
be reserved for a logo? What colours
will be needed for the text? This is
just the start.
But don't worry, many of the
choices you have to make will be
based upon need. Certain colours
and typefaces will have to be used.
Layouts often become obvious
because of the nature of the work.
CREDIT SEQUENCES
As for the content of the images, a
lot of this can be pre-planned too. If
you are prepanng a credit list for a
video it makes sense to get a list of
all the names which have to be
included, (making sure that you spelt
them all correctly!), ensure that you
know what everyone's role was and
in which order (and what relative type
sizes) they appear in. You may be
provided with a brief for this from the
director, but more likely than not
you'll have to sort most of this out
yourself - especially if you are the
director. Once you have all the
information to hand you can start
designing the credit sequence. If you
don't have a brief you will probably
have to make some choices - will
the sequence be scrolling up the
screen, or appear page by page, or
crawl along the bottom of the page?
Will there be transition effects which
need adding, such as wipes?
If you are animating a flying logo
with DPaint you may find that drawing
up a storyboard will help you
visualise the sequence you want.
Even quick notes and sketches can
help and jog your memory when the
going gets rough. And believe me, it
does get rough. Planning can save
your bacon. Because anything that
can go wrong will. It always does.
You will inevitably have to make
some compromises to accommodate
your software and computer setup,
but try to follow the plan as closely
as possible. If you are doing the work
for someone else check with them
first and explain the problems.
Usually changes can be mutually
agreed and everyone stays happy.
Even if you're just titling your
home video there's no need to be
short of ideas. Watch TV and learn
techniques from what you see there.
Notice which typefaces are used,
which sizes and which colours.
Decide what works for you and what
doesn't. Experiment with your Amiga.
Play and practise. Accept that you
will have failures, but make sure that
you learn from them so that you can
get it nght the next time.
74
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
VIDEO
*
The easy way to
make friends in
the TV studio
GARY TO READER
Cuel
Have you ever wondered why a
newscaster often seems to be
shiftily glancing about while he talks?
Or how a studio presenter appears to
have a wonderful grasp of even the
most obscure of subjects?
Cue 2
Mfiptf, / can now reveal that it's all
done with mirrors. And computers,
video monitors and bits of wire.
Have I lost you? OK. let's go back to
the second cue and start again.
Cue 2
well, l can now reveal that it's all
done with mirrors. And computers,
video monitors and bits of wire.
Got it yet?
I'm talking about autocue machines,
or teleprompters; feeding scripts to
talking heads while they smile at the
camera and demonstrate how
knowledgeable they are. I'm talking
about Smooth Talker, a newcomer to
the illustrious (and hitherto
unspoken) history of teleprompters
and. as far as I know, the first fully-
fledged prompter to use the Amiga
as its host computer.
You might wonder about the
mass appeal of a product like
Smooth Talker. I mean, how many of
you read the news for a living?
Nevertheless. I'm going to tell
you about Smooth Talker anyway,
because I like it. It's easy to use.
and it gets the job done. And it's a
heck of a sight cheaper than some of
the systems on the market, if you've
already got the Amiga to run it on.
TELEPROMPTING
What does Smooth Talker do? Well,
being a teleprompter. it displays text
for a presenter to read. The text,
controlled by the presenter or a
teleprompt controller, rolls up the
screen at a readable speed, and is
then read out loud. If the presenter
is talking directly to camera an
arrangement similar to Figure 1 is
likely to be used, where a monitor
displaying the rolling text is reflected
on glass mounted in front of the
camera. A primitive arrangement, but
It's all that's needed. If someone is
speaking to an audience at a
conference, for instance, those odd
transparent rectangles which so
often flank the rostrum will invariably
be used. They serve the same
purpose as the monitor - to reflect
the words so that the speaker can
see them easily without continuously
referring to written notes. A
teleprompter makes the whole affair
seem that much slicker.
With Smooth Talker you get a
software disk and a small black box
with a knob and a switch on it. The
disk is self-explanatory - it contains
the Smooth Talker program and
associated files, while the black box
(which plugs into the parallel port) is
a hand-held remote control for the
prompting system, with the switch
being used to go back and forth
between preset cue points and the
rotary knob for setting the forward or
reverse speed of the text roll.
KACKtWtTC
MONTTOR
*«VERSH>TtXT
-
By reading text reflected off a glass
screen In front of a camera, a TV
presenter can give the Impression of
great skill and knowledge
HOW IT WORKS
There are two parts to the software -
the main menu screen, where access
to all of Smooth Talker's functions is
made, and the text display itself.
The program is flexible in that
scripts can be prepared within
Smooth Talker's main screen, from
the prompting screen itself, or ASCII
files can be imported and exported
for simple modification. Prompting
scripts can be saved for later use.
Any available Amiga bitmap font
up to 50 point size can be used,
though as there are always four or
five lines displayed on screen a size
between 24 and 45 is advisable. A
couple of suitable fonts are provided
on the disk and there's an unusual
feature that 1 should explain to you.
Look at Figure 1 again. Then
think which way round the
text would have to be on
the monitor screen for it to
appear correctly to the
presenter. That's right - it
would have to be reversed.
This can be achieved by
reversing the scan coils of
the teleprompting monitor,
creating a reversed screen
display but Smooth Talker
uses a novel method so
that a normal monitor can
be used instead. How? By
providing a backwards
typeface! All that's then
required is to link the monochrome
output to a suitable monitor, rig up a
glass system and you're in business.
FLEXIBILITY
Fonts can be changed at
anytime, and the text
will reformat automat-
ically to take account of
this. Screen colours can
be either black text on
white background or vice
versa. There's no need
for multicolour here.
Cue points can be
marked in the text to
save having to scroll
back to a certain line if a
retake is required. A
marker is all that is
required is to click the switch on the
remote control and the display jumps
back or forward to the next marker.
An inverse line facility is Included
to allow text to be highlighted (such
as instructions to the presenter
which aren't meant to be read
aloud). And. if required, all the text
can be toggled to upper case -
though this can't be undone.
Changes to the text on display
can be made through function key
selections and the keyboard and, if
you have a serial printer or don't
have the remote connected at the
time, the results can be output to a
printer for hard copy.
Scrolling speed can be smoothly
varied by using the rotary control on
the remote handset, allowing
continuous adjustment to keep pace
with the presenters' requirements.
Additionally, the handset cable can
be extended to 30 metres or more.
Smooth Talker will run on any
512K or greater Amiga running
Figure 1
Product shot digitised by GW
AmigaDOS 1.2 or higher. It is self-
booting and multitasking. If you are
contemplating buying a teleprompter.
I'd recommend you contact ZEN
Computer Services for more info.
For those who aren't sure, a
demo tape is available for £2.00
which shows Smooth Talker in use.
E-Mail me on CIX as drgaz.
OCXXJOOOOO
SHOPPING LIST
£141
I ***********************
Smooth Tolker
from ZEN Computer Services
2 Silver Birch Grove, <
Swinton
Manchester M27 1 FS
* 061 793 1931
ECKOUT
Smooth Talker
Quality • • • • O
Fulfils its objectives.
Features • • • • O
Well thought out, everything you need to
generate teleprompting screens.
Documentation • • •
Compact but comprehensive.
Price Value • • • • O
No competition in the Amiga world.
Hardware • • • O
Slightly quirky, but easily usable.
Overall rating • • • •
Nice to see ZEN coming up with another
innovative and well-produced (if limited
appeal) product.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992 T C
VIDEO
he 290 genlock, from
Hama, Is the latest
genlock from one of the
well Known names In the
photographic and domestic/semi
pro video markets. How does this
new product measure up?
GOOD LOOKING
The 290 has plenty of knobs and
switches, a couple ot stubby fader
levers, input and output connections
for S-VHS, composite video, and
Amiga ROB and a uuilMn RGB splitter
for use with digitisers capable of
automated operation, such as New
Tek's Digi-View Gold. A power supply
is included for those situations
where the host Amiga (such as some
A500s). is unable to supply enough
juice to power the genlock, or the
unit Is being used solo to convert S-
VHS to composite or RGB outputs.
UP AND RUNNING
Connection is easy. There's a
longish ribbon connector built in to
the 290 which connects to the Amiga
RGB port. The RGB output can then
be taken from the genlock's 23-pin D
connector to an RGB monitor. Video
connectors are quickly accessed on
the upper rear of the unit and consist
of phono connectors for composite
video and standard Hosiden {Mini-
DIN) connectors for S-VHS. The
single phono for the digitlser output
is also on the top.
Operation is equally straight-
forward. Through switches and
faders it is possible to cross fade
between combinations of Amiga.
black, video and key signals. Keying
is via the usual Amiga colour zero
removal, but it's also possible to
reverse the key to produce a
'keyhole' effect where everything
except colour zero is transparent to
the video input. The Amiga can be
switched out entirely by using the
Bypass switch, letting the video input
pass through unaffected, and the
display on the Amiga can be
switched between Amiga only or
genlock output signal, which is handy
for coding what you are doing when
placing graphics over video images.
The only problem | hod with the
controls was that the fade to black
lever had an effective range of only a
In the sleek, dark grey case which Is the Hama house style, the 290
Is around the size of a large hardback of the coffee table variety
quarter of its travel, resulting in a
very abrupt fade to black.
There are also some controls for
tweaking the video input, allowing
some degree of colour, contrast and
brightness adjustment, as well for its
red. green and blue levels. These will
be useful where some corrections
need to be made, but unfortunately I
thought that the range of RGB
variation wasn't quite as wide as it
ought to be for full effectiveness.
Overall the output is reasonable,
though there is some bleed through
of live video into the Amiga image
which could be very annoying. There
is also an electronic problem in the
unit causing two narrow vertical lines
to appear in the processed image.
Additionally, the video output shows
noticeable faults when viewed on
test equipment, the most noticeable
being an unstable black level.
Lastly, in order to work correctly,
the 290 requires a continuous video
feed, or no video feed at all. In a
situation where a tape has run out of
picture but is still playing back, the
system will fall over until video is
restored or input is disconnected.
THE BIG 3 PLUSES:
1. The inclusion ot user controls for video colour, contrast, brightness and
RGB adjustment.
2. Ability to convert S-VHS to RGB and composite outputs.
3. RGB to Amiga connector and Amiga/genlock output switching.
AND THE 7 MINUS POINTS:
1. Phonos for composite video connection. I'd expect BNCs for this price.
2. Hosiden (Mim-DINJ sockets for S-VHS were slightly loose.
3. Video signals were not up to spec, black levels were incorrectly clamped,
output was noisy (producing 2 vertical tines) and there was slight bleed
through on to the Amiga image from video input.
4. Not enough range on colour correction controls to bring some average
colour problems into line.
5. Too short a travel on the Video/Black fader, resulting in unsubtle fading.
6. No manual switching for splitter component output selection.
7. Direct cutting between genlock and video signals was poor.
Gary Whiteley
welcomes you
back to
Genlock Corner
WOT, NO DIGITISING?
I tried to use the built-in RGB splitter
wrth my Digi-View. but after some
enquiries to Hama I found that the
cable required to connect the
genlock to the Amiga joystick port for
automatic splitting under software
control was not yet available. Even
though I built a cable myself. I was
unable to get the splitter working
automatically. Because there is no
way of selecting between the R. G or
B components I couldn't assess any
output other than the default tgreen).
This lack of manual switching is
serious and will preclude owners of
other monochrome digitisers from
using the splitter output.
One final word. I suspected that
this product was made by a third
party, boxed and badged by or for
Hama. My suspicions were aroused
when I found the manual for the 290
genlock was almost identical to the
manual for the Electronic Design
genlocks I reviewed in AS 9. 1
discovered that Hama also sells an
Electronic Design genlock under the
name Hama 590! Hama confirmed
that the units are badged. but
couldn't say who makes them. ©
ooooooooo
SHOPPING LIST
Home 290 Genlock
h(PSl)
by Homo PVAC Ltd, Unit 4
Cherrywood, Chinehom
Business Park, Basingstoke,
Hants RG24 OWF
tt 0256 7081 10
£749
CHECKOUT
Hama 290 Genlock
Documentation • • i
Good, comprehensive and clear.
Features • • «
Well stocked.
O
Quality ••tOO
Output and control problems mac
performance.
Price Value • • • • J
Overpriced, considering its problems.
Overall rating
O
I would have expected much higher quality
for this pnee tag. True, there are a number
of potentially useful features, but an
overall improvement is needed to make
this unit a worthwhile buy.
WA AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
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HARWOOD
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EDUCATIO
9-j
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The acceleration of a vehicle wrth more oomph than a Skoda - line graphs
illustrate relationships between speed and time In a clear format
This month Wilf Rees looks at
presenting data, graphs and
statistics and how Spellbound!
can develop your memory, logic
and spelling skills
ne of the surest ways of
getting your point across
It to present your Ideas
or findings In the
clearest way possible. The same
applies In school projects or In the
business world. The more clearly
you present your work, the more
professional and worthy of acclaim
It Is. This month I'm focusing on
neat ways of displaying statistical
Information In various graphs, all
with a llttl* h*lp from the Amiga.
BE CONVENTIONAL!
When any data has been collected
from any source, there are accepted
norms of graphical presentation.
These norms follow obvious rules,
the principal one being, that the
whole premise of presenting
statistical information in a graphic
format, is that it should provide
visual comparison, and enhanced
understanding of the data, not
obvious in pure data form.
There are basically four
conventions for presenting data:
graphs, column and bar charts,
histograms and pictographs and
percentage charts.
Each convention has a specific
application for which it Is most
suited and whilst these sometimes
overlap, you should try to get the
correct application.
Primarily I want to deal with how
to actually produce the images. You
could go out and spend your hard
earned loot on dedicated software,
which can do a lot of the donkey-
work for you, but personally, I always
use good old DPaint, some of the
features of which you can adapt to
enhance your outcomes.
KISS!
No. I'm not being overtly familiar, but
the acronym also stands, for Keep it
Simple. Stupid! and that really is the
key to all graphical presentation.
Above all else the purpose of the
exercise is to make it obvious what
we are trying to communicate, the
more simply the better!
FOOD
LEISURE/
SfiUIN&S
SERVICES/
FUELS
MORTGflGE/RENT
' CLOTH IN&/
§ msc.
PERCENTAGE
UEEKLV PERCENTAGE EXPENDITURE OF AVERAGE FfiHILV 2 RDULTS,
2 CHILDREN <12 VRS, U.K. 1991
A pie chart showing expenditures of an average family. Did you know a pie
chart Is so called as It was named after rts Inventor Professor Helmut Pie?
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
Graphs - A graph is used to demonstrate the relationship between two
parameters, where one is dependent on the other. The presentation can
be in the form of a series of interconnecting straight lines, or as a curve.
In the example I have shown, top right, the curve showing acceleration is
a direct function of the interrelationship of time and speed.
Columns and bar charts - Used to demonstrate comparisons, where the
performance of each process or item can be measured against each
other. A bar chart is drawn horizontally, a column chart vertically. In both
cases the bars or columns should be of equal thickness and spaced
equally apart. Each item should be labelled, with words or an illustration.
Often column charts are drawn as 3-dimensional columns to give
enhanced visual appeal.
Histograms and plctograms - A histogram is used where both axes vary
numerically. The columns are stacked against each other and plot out a
rough curve along the top.
Percentage charts - Produced in two formats, as a bar chart, or as a pie
chart. In both cases, an area is filled with a colour or pattern which
reflects the ratios of each item. In the above example. I have presented
the data as a pie chart with simple patterns to give the chart more
visual appeal.
GROUND RULES
When you start thinking about how
you might present your information,
there are a few simple ground rules
to help you achieve optimum results.
Try looking at your finished results to
see if they conform to some simple
guidelines...
1 Ensure you give your image a title
saying exactly what it shows.
2 When deciding on the axes of the
image, determine their ratios within
FUNNY FORMAT
I was sent two disks with the
following Information on: "ADI
Maths samples Maths screen
shots, box top etc. Europress
Software." Sorry, but the discs
were unreadable. If they are yours,
please contact us here at Amiga
Shopper.
78
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
EDUCATIO
sensible parameters to reflect
what it is you are showing.
3 Always label the axes
clearly, indicating scale.
4 Always provide a 'Key' to
describe the different
elements.
5 Select the most appropriate
form of presentation for your
data.
6 Make the data clear and
readable
If the answer is affirmative to
these criteria, then your data
should be presented correctly, and in
a easily interpreted fashion.
MAKE THE SOFTWARE
DO THE WORK!
Let's start looking in detail at how
we can use the features of DPaint to
make the preparation and recording
of your information quicker. There
are several of the tools which
facilitate short-cuts, and none
more useful than the 'Grid' tool.
Clicking on the icon with tho right
mouse button gives us a
requester, which asks for
information on the 'X' and *Y'
axes. This is a facility which you
may not have used before much,
but now it comes into its own.
The default settings are both at
'8'. Changing these will cause
the screen pixel to default to a
determined location at regular
intervals, ideal for spacing your
axis calibrations!
An additional item on the
requester is labelled 'Adjust'. Try
clicking on this, then returning to
the screen. You will see that by
holding down the left mouse
button, you can drag a grid across
the screen to whatever format you
require. The 'Line' tool also has an
important role. Obviously you use it
to set up the axes, but similar to the
Grid tool, if you point at the tool and
press the right hand mouse button a
requester comes up to ask about
spacing. Using this facility enables
you to generate dotted lines of
Infinite variety. These are so useful
for indicating major calibration points
on your axes, and leading the lines
vertically and horizontally to meet at
strategic points you might want to
emphasise.
The rectangle and circle tools are
going to be useful in the construction
of boxes to demonstrate 'bars' and
'pie' charts. It is important though
that you ensure all columns or bars
are the same width, and equally
spaced. The obvious way to do this
is to use the brush.
GOOD OLD BRUSH
Probably, the brush tool will come in
for more use than any other. Get into
the habit of using it for more than
just duplicating images and reducing
1 FiiTwi 1
Solid 1
Brush 1 Wrap 1
ISjJ
P*H«nn|
1
R«n0« :
!■
*■*! _il B1 l 1
Z" 1
Line Shsp Cm <:..,.
Dllher:
Randon
Cancel
Ofc
The flli requester Is one of the keys to
making your graphs look professional -
DPaint 4 gives a range of possibilities
or enlarging them. It makes a brilliant
rubber by holding down the right
mouse button. You can grab any
nonsense on the screen and use it
as a rubber , but try grabbing a
shape similar to the one you want to
erase. Double clicking on the 'Brush'
Gnidding
*
Y-spacingft
Adjust
Ca ncel
The Griddlng tool*
enables you to
highlight the X and
Y co-ordinates of
your graph and
change them to suit
the particular
calibration you
require for your grid
Spacing
really does save a lot of frustration
and repetitive tasks.
GOING FOR BUST
Finally adding the little touches which
make an ordinary graph into
something a little more professional.
Obviously if your graph is going to be
printed you are limited to your
printer's facilities. OK, it's nice if you
can print them out in colour, but it's
not essential, after all, we don't use
colour at Amiga Shopper, but it's still
the first mag everyone looks for each
month! You can generate patterns to
use as fills, or. use gndded lines as I
have on the pie chart. Remember
when all your friends swagger on
about their colour-kits or ink-jets, the
best photographs, and those taken
by the pros, are still black and white.
If you do have colour printing
facilities, don't gild the lily by
overdoing the assortment of colours.
Stay within a range of tones if the
subject matter is related.
I have purposely made my
examplos as simple as possible,
because their intention was to
convey the different types. You can
however spend more time, for
example on the text, using shadowed
_^-_ ^__ fonts.
N Total
li
Every Nth dot
Airbrush
Continuous
icon gives the OPalnfs Une tool Is useful for Indicating
option of calibration points along the length of your
selecting a graph to highlight points of Interest
Alternatively you
could use the
perspective
facility to make
3D column
charts. Electronic
Arts has added
some interesting
additions to
DPaint 4 in the fill
facilities, and
several of the
icons allow fill
possibilities,
again by pointing
polygon based brush. This is even
better, in that you can draw around
an area with a mistake, superimpose
the brush on the original, right hand
mouse button, and it's gone!
Alternatively, move it to the spare
screen (pressing 'J' on the keyboard)
carry out repairs, then redraw and
bring it back to replace the original.
When making pictographs. the
brush is ideal. Draw your image, grab
ft, then duplicate it by placing the
brush image alongside. Another tip
here, don't try to keep aligning
further brush images, just redraw the
two images as a brush and double
the number of images each time! It
and clicking with the right mouse
button. These can add a variety of
patterns and textures to what would
be ordinary blank spaces. {See
example of fills on the pie chart).
You could of course just use your
graphs as part of a visual
presentation, intended to be shown
on a monitor, in which case, the June
issue of Amiga Shopper contains a
presentation routine in the Education
column. Combining your written
information and supporting graphical
statistics in a self-contained
presentation format will give your
work professionalism, and score top
marks! CD
GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT
Don't be shy about sending in your work. We're looking for good examples of
work on the Amiga to use in this column. If you are developing your studies
and arc pleased with the result, then share it with us. Remember there are
some nice goodies waiting as rewards, and one of them could have your
name on it! Mark for Wlrf Rees' attention at the Amiga Shopper address.
Having been presented wrth
a word, off we go through
each level shooting up the
assorted nasties to collect
the letters
A very appropriate title! I must
confess I was somewhat spellbound
by this program. Spellboundt is a
superb piece of software, which is
frustrating, entertaining, compulsive
and educational. Morgana's wand
has been locked in a dungeon by the
mad Professor Grime, and the task is
to collect the five keys which open
the dungeon door. Travelling by
assorted airborne and seaborne
vehicles, you must shoot all manner
of nasty creatures and obstacles. All
very familiar, but the difference is,
that each object once shot, releases
a letter. The letters must be
collected in the correct order to spell
a previously requested word. Now as
you know most software has hidden
cheat codes, and for us reviewers it
saves hours of strife to be able to
move quickly to different levels to
see the program. This is one of the
few where I have ignored cheating! A
great feature is the ability to change
all of the parameters of the game,
including extending or altering the
words which could even be foreign
language spellings, increasing the
number of lives, having the walls
safe or fatal etc. In other words, a
parent, teacher, or yourself, could
tailor the difficulty to match ability.
The levels take you through an
assortment of environments, starting
with a dungeon, then moving on to
an undersea scene, a Manhattan
sky-line, the Alaskan wastes, and
finally a wild space scene. A high
score table and zany sound effects
all contribute towards the overall
enjoyment of this product, which is
supported by a well written and
informative manual.
Spellbound! has succeeded in
combining the excitement of an
arcade game with an addictive,
enjoyable education product, ft
deserves a place in every school.
Spellbound! Is available from Lander
Software, 74 Victoria Crescent
Road, Glasgow 012 9JN » 041 3S7
1659, and costs £25.99
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 1 6 • AUGUST 1 992
79
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MONITOR
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For Amiga A500
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Callers and Mail
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A600 Now In £360. A600 Classics £375.
A600MD £465, A600HD Classics £480 -
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AMIGA ASOO FUN PACK f ~n
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10 Disks. Dust Cover. Dpaint III. 1Mb RAM. PLUS 13 GAMES Lemmings.
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A500 CARTOON CLASSICS Only E319.00
SOFTWARE
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DELUXE PAINT II £4 35
AMOS * EXTRAS DISK £32 00
BROADCAST TITLER II £139.00
ULTIMATE DEMO MAKER £99 00
DIGIVTEW MEDIASTATION £11900
LATTICE C V5.10. £149.00
PAGESETTERV2 £42 00
PAGESTREAM V2.2 £127 00
PIXEL 3D V2 £79
QUARTERBACK £39
PRO WRITE V3.2 £69
X CAD 3D £159
PHOTON PAINT 2 £25
FINAL COPY £45
VIDEO EFFECTS 3D £99
DOS 2 DOS E2B
PAGESTREAM FONTS PACK £49 00 Q/BACK TOOLS £42
TV TEXT PRO £79.00 WORDWORTH £72
CROSS-DOS £19 00 SUPERJAM £85
SCENERY ANIMATOR £53.00 REAL 3D BEGINNERS £99
HITACHI VIDEO CAMERA Ideal for use with DigiView £199
PEN PAL, Excellent easy to use word processor £53
IMAGINE 3D V2.0 Animations & ray-tracing £179
ART DEPARTMENT PROFESSIONAL V2 05 £119
DIRECTORY OPUS BH
VIDEO EASE, Video titling package £35
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AMOS COMPILER. Compile your Amos programs £23
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PRESENTATION MASTER £159
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| ROM V2 04 Upgrade Kit
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1 ROCGEN PLUS GENLOCK
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J OTEC MOUSE rugh quality replacement mouse
I TARGET Mono sound sampling hudwue/ioftwu*
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, TV TUNER for Philips and Commodore monitors
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I HP DESKJET 500 Inkjet inc free lead £349
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J CITIZEN 224 MONO 24 pin mono printer inc free lead £209
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The A1500 inc Philips or CBM 1084s or 5 monitor. Twin drives. Dpaintf,
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AMIGA A500 part exchange available - please phone
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GVP 68030 25MHZ WITH 1 MEG RAM £545.00
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DETAILS
Jeff Walker takes a look at
HotLinks, the nevt data exchange
system for PageStream and
reviews Shades, the latest
gradient fill package
wo of the criticisms I've
made of Sott-tojpk's
PmgaStrmam desktop
publishing program are that
tt is difficult to use the Picture
Window feature to crop bitmap
graphics accurately, and that It Is
Impossible to prepare text
beforehand In a word processor
using typesetting or style
commands so that you don't have
to do It the slow way within
PageStream Itself.
I was criticised myself for making
these remarks, by PageStream
owners mainly who told me that they
didn't require these features and
that I was giving these shortcomings
too much importance. I mention this
piece of history because Soft-Logik's
latest releases happen to oe QME, a
bitmap editor for cropping and
retouching graphics, and PageLiner,
a text editor that supports
PageStream style tags.
These two applications, plus the
version 2.2 release of PageStream,
are the first three programs to
employ Soft-Logik's new HotLinks
Inter-program communication
system, and before we get on to
looking at BME and PageLiner
themselves we need to learn all
about HotLinks.
SIMPLE CONCEPT
The HotLinks concept is simple to
understand. In desktop publishing
there are several distinct jobs, like
writing the copy, creating the artwork,
and laying out or 'making up' the
pages, to give just three examples. A
single program that was an expert at
every Job would be massive, and
probably very difficult to learn how to
use, so the answer is to use a word
processor for writing the copy, art
programs for messing about with the
artwork, and a desktop publisher for
making up the pages.
Now the beauty of the Amiga is
that with enough memory you are
able to have more than one
application running at the same time.
so you don't have to keep quitting
from one program in order to load
and use another. But wouldn't it be
great if instead of having to save
data to disk and then import it into
one of the other applications you
could send the text from the word
processor and the artwork from the
art program directly to the desktop
publishing program and vice versa?
That is what HotLinks is all about.
THE INVISIBLE PROGRAM
Experienced Amiga users will be
screaming "What about ARexx?" at
this point, Out Dear with me and I
think you'll see why Soft-Logik has
decided to re-invent a wheel.
HotLinks is one of those
'invisible' Amiga programs; when you
double click its icon nothing appears
to happen. But it has. After running
HotLinks any program that supports
the system will make its HotLinks
features available.
There are four features -
Subscribe. Publish. Update and
Information. The first job will be to
'publish' something. From PageLiner
you would publish text, from BME it
would be a graphic, from PageStream
it could be either. Once some data
has been published, another
program that supports HotLinks can
'subscribe' to it. PageLiner can
subscribe only to text, BME only to
graphics, PageStream to either.
In effect, publishing and
subscribing is almost exactly the
same as saving and loading data.
The difference is that you don't
supply a filename. You have to give it
a name, of course, otherwise you'd
never remember what on earth it was
you'd published, and this name can
be anything you like, but it isn't an
actual file name, it's more like the
filenotes you can create with the
AmigaDOS Filenote command.
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
Bitmap graphics - See IFF ILBM.
Copy - A term used by writers and publishers for the words that form a
complete piece of writing.
GIF - A bitmap graphics file format that can contain up to 256 colours or
grey scales.
IFF - Stands for Interchange File Format. Many people call Amiga graphics
IFFs when they really mean IFF ILBM - the ILBM stands for
InterLeaved BitMap. IFF is the general file format, ILBM is the 'type' of
IFF that is a graphic.
Retouching - The act of repairing or cleaning up a damaged or dirty part of a
graphic.
TIFF - A bitmap graphics file format that can contain up to 256 colours or
greyscales.
Typically you'd call some data a
name like 'Figure 2 graphic for
Chapter 1' or 'Body text for Chapter
2".
Along with this name you can jot
down some information about the
data in a small notes area, and this
is what the HotLinks Information
facility presents you with when it Is
selected - it's an 'About' requester
about a data file, written by yourself.
The data itself is saved to disk
using a HotL/nte-specific file format
and file naming system that you
don't need to worry about.
Once something is published It Is
known as an 'edition'. I hope you're
remembering these HotLinks terms
because you may become confused
while reading the rest of this article
otherwise. To recap: 'publishing' is
like saving the data, 'subscribing' is
like loading it. and the things (files, if
you like) you publish and subscribe
to are called 'editions'.
REVISING EDITIONS
So far there's not much advantage to
using HotLinks over the normal 'save
and load' way of working. Which is
where the Update feature comes In.
If you subscribe to an edition and
then change it in some way - alter
the wording of some text for example
- then you need to record those
changes. Now. you could publish it
again and then subscribe to the new
version, but that's no better than
'save and load'. Instead you 'update'
the edition.
Updating an edition means that
any application which supports
HotLinks and uses that edition will
automatically change to reflect the
alterations the next time it is used.
So to give a simple practical
example. You've laid out the same
leaflet three times in three different
languages. Suddenly somebody
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AlinilsT 1992
111
DESKTOP PUBLISHING
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utrrs
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lie. n*&
fce Ih* changes, savt it bacfc to dt
publithrr. With f*^f Liner. HotLink
the tfKt Article fron rafrStrf«M j
courlet* the chan*** in rueLmrr
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After applying PageStream style tags
to a section of text and 'publishing' It
In PageUner, the copy automatically
formats Itself when subscribed to by
PageStream
points out that there is a glitch in
one of the bitmap graphics on the
page. So you load the graphic into
Deluxe Point (or whatever), clean it
up. save it. load PageStream, load a
leaflet, delete the old version of the
graphic, import and position the new
ono and save the leaflet; then you
load the second leaflet and do the
same; then you load the third leaflet
and do it again.
That took a little while. Probably
an hour or more.
GRAPHICS CLEAN-UP
Now the same thing using HotLinks.
You load the BME program,
subscribe to the offending graphic
edition, use BMFs art editing tools
to clean up the graphic, then Update
the edition.
That's it. Took maybe 10
minutes. Next time you load any of
the three leaflets that use this
graphic (or subscribe to this edition,
to use the HotLinks parlance) the
altered version is what gets used.
I've used a graphic as an
example, but it's the same for text.
Can you see the advantage of the
HotLinks system now?
The absolute beauty is that it is
so simple - publish, subscribe,
update, that's all you have to
remember, and it's all done for you.
The standard Amiga inter-program
communication system is ARexx, and
to achieve the same thing using
programs that supported ARexx
would require you (or someone else)
to write ARexx programs for each of
the separate applications involved.
There is one more string to the
HotLinks bow, real-time data
transfer. If you have two HotLinks
compatible programs running, the
Update command will not only
update the edition file on disk, but
also any copies of that edition in any
application that has a copy of that
edition loaded.
EASY STYLES
Having discussed the theory of
HotLinks. it's time to see how it
works using BME and PageLiner.
PageLiner is not a word
processor* because it cannot print
out text styles, only unstyled drafts.
And it's not a 'text editor' because
style and formatting commands can
be incorporated within the text. So
Soft-Logik has split the difference
it understands PageStream's style
tagging system, and will let you apply
style tags to blocks of text so that
they automatically format themselves
when imported into PageStream
(V2.2 and greater).
Style tags are deeply wonderful
things. You've all used word
processing style
features like bold and
italics, now imagine
extending that facility
to include the font,
point size, line spacing,
tracking, paragraph
indent... and a whole
host of other things.
For instance you could
set up a style tag
called 'Body Copy' and
give it all the style
attributes that you
want your body copy to
have, and set up
another style tag called
'Subhead' and give it all the style
attributes you want your sub-
headings to have, and set up another
style tag called 'Captions' and give it
all the style attributes you want your
picture captions to have... And you
can keep on going until every piece
of text in your document that has a
different style has its
own style tag.
When preparing
the text you would
highlight sections of
the text that you want
n particular styles,
and apply the
relevant style tag. On
screen the text
doesn't change,
except that bold.
Although BME
displays pictures
In only 16 levels
of grey, rt retains
all the original
colour Information
and allows you to
'edit' the picture
using the full
palette In up to
32:1
magnification
and called PageLiner a 'text
processor'.
It contains all the expected
facilities of a simple text editor, like
block cut/paste/copy, wordwrap, find
and replace, plus it comes with a
spelling checker and small dictionary
to which you can add new words. For
bashing out or editing words.
PageLiner is an entirely adequate
tool.
The program's real power is that
underline and italics are displayed,
but along the bottom of the display is
an information line that tells you
which style tag has been applied to
the piece of text at the current cursor
position.
After a bit of practice with style
tags you should be able to do all the
hard work in the quicker PageLiner
program, rather than having to
highlight blocks in the much slower
PageStream program and select
styles or apply tags. This way of
doing things is a great aid to
productivity - you'll be able to get
more done in less time.
The style tags themselves must
be set up within PageStream, using
its Text/Tag requester. You'd set up
and 'Add' each style you require,
then store the entire list of tags to
disk using the 'Save' button. This is
the file that PageUner can import,
and rt can import any number of
'tags' files, appending any new style
tags to the list, ignoring any
duplicate style tag names.
(Ah yes, now might be an
appropriate time to mention that If
you attempt to save a tags file from
PageStream without giving it a
filename. PageStream 2.2 hangs.)
SPECTACULAR CRASHES
Alas, this first version of PageLiner is
not entirely stable. Or perhaps it is
HotLinks, I don't know, but following
through the tutorial on a WB1.3
Amiga 2000, and then on a WB2.04
Amiga 3000, both machines crashed
at the same stage over and over
again. I have managed to get the
publish, subscribe and update
system to work, but at different
stages either PageStream or
PageLiner eventually always crashes
spectacularly. And while I'm
confident that Soft-Logik will fix this
problem, I'm disappointed that
HotLinks has been released while it
contains such a serious bug; I can't
imagine how it wasn't spotted by the
beta-testers.
When the developers have got it
working properly, however. I can see
that PageLiner will be an enormous
help to PageStream users. But if you
buy it now, for heaven's sake send
back the registration card to Soft-
Logik so that you can follow the
upgrade path.
BETTER BME
The HotLinks bitmap editor. BME.
appears to be a lot more stable than
PageLiner. What I mean to say is
that rt has not yet crashed on me,
and neither has PageStream when
subscribing to, publishing and
updating graphics.
Now unless I'm missing
something very obvious, there are
only two uses for BME. The most
obvious, to me at least, is for
cropping. You see, the problem is
that while PageStream can import
bitmaps that contain up to 16.7
million colours, it will only display
them in black and white. Sometimes
you can see enough of the picture to
be able to crop it fairly accurately,
although most of the time there's not
enough detail.
OK, so if it's an IFF ILBM you
could load the bitmap into Deluxe
Paint, crop it and save it again. But
what about the 16.7 million colour
82
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
DESKTOP PUBLISHING
24-bit ILBMs? And what about the
256<olour bitmap formats
PageStream supports, like TIFF and
GIF? Without a 24-0it graphics card
and art software (or Art Department
Professional and the relevant file
format modules) you're stuck with
trying to crop the black and white
representation that PageStream
provides.
Unless you've got BME.
The process goes like this:
import the bitmap into PageStream,
publish it, subscribe to it in BME,
crop it. and then update it.
BME creates an on-screen 16
levels of grey representation of the
bitmap, which is plenty good enough
to see most of the details in even
16.7 million colour pictures, making
them easy to crop.
BME itself supports only two
bitmap file formats, IFF ILBM (but
not HAM) and GIF. These can be
loaded straight into BME (rather
than subscribed to) and
subsequently published if you like,
but if you want to work on HAM, TIFF,
or 24-bit ILBM bitmaps you have to
import them into PageStream first,
publish them, and then subscribe to
them In BME.
UNDOING DAMAGE
It's important to realise that BME
doesn't convert the bitmap to 16
levels of grey, it retains all the
original colour information, the 16
greyscales are just for display
purposes.
Another use for BME is for
cleaning up or 'retouching* a graphic.
For instance you might have scanned
an original photograph that was
damaged in some way. and with
PageStream and BME you could
publish and subscribe to It ana then
zoom in on the damaged part and
paint over the damaged pixels with
one of BMFs 10 types of brush.
Because BME retains all the original
colour information, you are able to
choose which colours to paint with
from the full 16.7 million colour
patette. In the palette requester the
program
provides a
rough on-
screen
colour
approxi-
mation, plus the actual RGB and
CMYK values, although what gets
displayed on screen is one of the 16
shades of grey.
It can be a bit of a hit and miss
operation, but it's an awful lot
cheaper (and faster) than 24-bit
hardware and software.
As well as cropping and painting
with brushes. BME will enable you to
cut or copy rectangular sections from
a picture and paste them down
elsewhere on the same picture, or
BME makes picture cropping for PageStream a more
accurate affair. First you Import the picture Into
PageStream (left), then Publish It and Subscribe to It In
BME where you can drag out an area to be cropped
(middle), the Update In BME and quit, and Anally
Update In PageStream (right)
an art package, more as a simple
cropping and retouching extension to
PageStream. As such, it does the job
admirably.
NETWORK SUPPORT
In the near future (says Soft-Logik)
there will be a version of HotUnks
that supports networks.
Put simply, a network would
consist of a number of people, all at
different Amiga workstations - in
different offices in an office block for
ir= j|
BME allows as many pictures to be loaded as memory permits, after which
you can copy bits from one picture Into another If you like, or create a 'new'
window Into which parts of lots of pictures can be pasted, for Instance, to
create a collage.
into another one. You can even
create an empty window and then
copy bits from various other bitmaps
into the empty one so you can make
collages.
In the same way that PageLiner
is no replacement for a proper, fully-
featured word processor. BME is no
replacement for a dedicated art
package. It mustn't be thought of as
instance - all connected to one
massive storage device, probably a
hard drive with capacity measured in
gigabytes (1.000 megabytes or
more).
While each workstation would run
its own personal copy of HotUnks
and applications software, they
would all save and load their data
from the communal hard drive.
You can probably see the
advantages of the HotUnks
publishing, subscribing and updating
system here - one person updates a
text or graphic edition, and even/one
else on the system automatically
gets updated next time they access
that edition.
Obviously such a set-up would
need a security system because the
person in charge would want to
restrict access of certain editions
only to those people who need
access to them, otherwise any Andy.
Cliff or Diana could muck about with
the data and deface or destroy
important work. And although
HotUnks doesn't yet support
networking, the security system has
been written and is included with the
V1.0 release.
SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
It all revolves around the 'system
manager'. This person has his or her
own personal 'handle' (name) and
password that gets his or her into
HUMP, the HotUnks User
Management Program. From here he
or she can add new users to the
network, and combine them into
groups if need be; each user can
have a password, initially provided by
the system manager but which can
be changed later by individuals, or
there can be just one password for
the entire group.
With the network set up, and
when the networking version of
HotUnks is released, editions can be
published with 'read/write' flags set
so that only certain individuals, or
groups of individuals, have access to
them. You could ensure that nobody
made any further changes to your
edition by setting the Read Access to
All, but the Write Access to fust
Owner, provided you are the owner of
the edition, of course.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
83
DESKTOP PUBLISHING
This security system isn't useful
just in a networking situation, (t
might come in handy if you have only
one workstation used by many
people. If you don't want others
messing with your editions you could
use the security password system
and restrict access to only yourself
or those who need access.
But while this networking system
is a good idea, one that is used
widely out there in the professional
"HotUnks improves
Page Stream's
chances of
being used
professionally."
world. I'm not convinced that
PageStream is a professional enough
product to warrant the development
of HotLinks In this direction. I can't
see many home users setting up
Amiga publishing networks, and In
the seriously real world publishers
use Macintosh computers and Quark
Xpress software, period.
I hate complaining about
PageStream in public because
people always accuse me of being
biased against it, but if you'll allow
me one quick demonstration of why
PageStream could not be used to
publish, for example, this
magazine... I have 7Mb of memory in
my Amiga 2000. 1 asked PageStream
to import a 24-bit IFF picture whose
file size was 2.5Mb. It imported OK
as an Object, but when I tried to put
that object on to the page I was told
I was Out Of Memory. When I tried it
again with a slightly smaller 24-bit
picture, PageStream crashed
unceremoniously.
Now that's one, single, lonely.
individual, sole, solitary 24-bit IFF
picture. "You obviously need more
memory!" I hear you scream. Well, if
that's the case how come that with
the same computer I recently used a
rival DTP package to produce a full
colour A4 leaflet that contained no
less than six 24-bit colour pictures
whose accumulative file size was
about 16Mb, plus a 1.5Mb 8-bit
greyscale picture, all viewable on-
screen (albeit in four greyscales),
plus a load of text?
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
The point I'm trying to make is that
perhaps Soft-Logik would be better
advised to concentrate on improving
PageStream' s performance so that it
can be used truly professionally
before developing a product that Is of
use only to professional publishers?
Having said that, I must say that
HotLinks certainly improves
PageStream' s chances of being used
professionally, at least when they've
got PageUner working property it will.
But at the end of the day I'm left
wondering what use the home
desktop publisher will have for
HotLinks. Home users will on the
whole be using ordinary IFF or
structured graphics, and there are
better packages for working with both
these formats. And if you really
need to view and crop 24-bit or
alien format bitmaps I
suggest that, even though it
costs a lot more and you
need a lot of memory to use
it, Art Department
Professional is a much better
investment.
PageLiner, if the publishing
and subscribing system worked
properly, would be a good reason to
buy HotLinks because of the time it
would save applying styles to
different blocks of text throughout a
long document. In fact I'd go so far
as to say that this feature alone may
be worth the cost of the whole
package. But at the moment it
doesn't work. QJ
fooooooooo
SHOPPING LIST
HetUaks
£69.95
by Soft Logik Publishing Corporation
1 1 1 31 F Sooth Towne Square, St Louis,
MO, 63123 USA
• 0101800 829 8608
Distributed m UK by:
HB Marketing, Unit 3,
Poylc 14, Newlands Drive
Colnbrook SL3 ODX
tr 0753 686000
ECKOUT
HOTUNKS
Ease of Use • • • • O
There's very little to remember, and the
BME and PageUner programs do not have
many features, so the system is not
difficult to master.
Features ttOOO
When you write a list of what PageLiner
and BME can actually do, it's surprising
how short it Is.
Documentation • • • • O
The three manuals are excellent, and each
provides easy-to-follow tutorials.
Price Value • • O O O
BME is underpowered. PageLiner doesn't
work properly. HotLinks itself only works
with these two programs and PageStream
2.2.
Overall rating
ooo
In theory it's a good idea, in practice it
sucks. Another curate's egg from Soft
Logik.
NOT SO COOL
IN THE SHADE
Check out Shades - a new product
which supplies gradient fills
for PageStream users
One feature that PageStream and ProPage Ignore Is gradient
fills, or fade textures. Fade textures blend an area from solid
black to white In as smooth a gradient as possible. DPalnt has
this feature, but the standard Amiga can display only 16 shades
of grey, so the difference between each Is easily seen.
Proper fade textures go from black to white in
256 steps, but this takes at least 8-bit colour to get 256
shades of grey. Expensive, memory munching and time
consuming. Without many-bit colour the only other way
to get smoother gradients is to use a structured drawing
package that allows you to specify fill colours as
percentages of red. green and blue, so achieving a fade
from black to white in 100 steps or 200 steps by using half
per cent jumps.This also involves the drawing of 100 or 200
shapes into which to put the fill colours, and accurate positioning.
Not expensive, not as memory munching, but even more time consuming.
Enter Shades, a diskful of ready-to-use 100-step gradient fills.
NOT FOR PROPAGE
The first thing to note is that Shades' gradient fills are for PageStream 2.1 and
greater, so ProPage users can stop reading here.
There are 27 shapes and styles, including circles, squares, rounded
squares, triangles, polygons, stars, shooting stars, spheres and diagonals.
Using them couldn't be simpler as they are saved as PageStream documents; all
you do is Append the Shades file of your choice to the document you are working
on and then cut-and-paste the clip to where you want it.
Many hours have been spent creating Shades, and Source Graphics
deserves credit for a job well done. However I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't
point out a few things that the promotional blurb and manual fail to make clear.
Dot-matrix printers - even high resolution ones like 300 dpi inkjets, laser
printers and 360 dpi bubble jets - are unable to produce 100 grey shades.
Because of the way dithering works, they can only produce patterns representing
16 levels of grey. So when you output a Shades gradient fill to a dot-matrix
printer, what you get on the page looks very much like a greyscale gradient fill
produced in DPaint- you can see each band of grey quite clearly, so the illusion
of a smooth gradient goes straight out the window.
To get printouts which contain smooth gradients you need to output to a
PostScript device, or to non-PostScript printer via a PostScript interpreter.
This is because PostScript uses 'halftoning', which is nothing like and
nothing to do with, the Halftone dither option in Workbench Printer preferences. I
explained about halftoning in the SaxonSchpt Professional review last month, so
if you need more details I recommend you dig that out. This dithering problem
doesn't mean that Shades is only useful
to rich kids, the non-PostScript output is
basically the same as a DPaint bitmap
gradient but without jaggies, so there is
one advantage for us poor kids too.
CHECKOUT
Shades
Shade* la by Source Graphic*, costs
£59.95 and la available In the UK from
Maridlan Software. ISO Lubbletthorpe
Road. Narborough Road South,
Leicester LE3 2XF. tr 0533
896743/827102.
The difference between bubble jet -
360 dpi (top right) . laserjet - 300 dpi
(above left), and PostScript laser
printer output - 360 dpi (bottom left)
Ease of Use • • • • •
Easy; simply Append. Cut and Paste.
Documentation • • O O O
Manual is skimpy, out of date, with
grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
Price Value ••OOO
Lot of money for 27 clips: £2 plus each.
Overall rating
OOO
Good idea, but a PostScript device Is
needed to get the best from them.
84
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 e AUGUST 1992
V^LoM YOUR AMic! ' U
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Each dlek contains between 1 1 5 and 270 original, high quality, image* tor um wfth Amtga art
and DTP programme - Deluxe Paint. Pro Page. Wordworth, Penpal, etc.
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4. Signs and symbols 5. Wild Animals
i.99 each Buy 3 or more for £6 each - Over 900 images lor only £30
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Orders normally dispatched wtthin 48hrs or Immediately after cheque clearance \P
E.M. COMPUTERGRAPHIC
Amiga Public Domain/Shareware DTP Packs
W[- have imported most of the material on these disks directly from the U.S.A..
and have compiled these disks espeoaly lor Amiga DTP Users in mind II.
We one* HEAL VALUE FOR MONEY SINCE ALL OUR DISKS ARE AT LEAST 00% FLILL II
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EMC Volume 3 - 2 Disks - £ 5.00 - Pagestream Fonts
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67 Type 1 Fonts, all with IFF Previews, lor PPage/P' Sir earn users
EMC Volume 5 - 5 Disks - £12.50 - Type 1 Fonts
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68 Type 1 Fonts, all with IFF Previews, lor PPage/P' Stream users.
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E.M. COMPUTERGRAPHIC would like to Introduce the...
M COMPUTER SAFARI range of Desktop Publishing Typefaces
Available tor the FIRST time in the U.K. and compatible with
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For more information on EMC's PO/Shareware library and Computer Safari Fonts,
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8 Edith Road. Clacton. Essex COl5 1JU
Tel : 0255 431389 Fax: 0255 428666
************ *
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♦ Graphics & General
Advantage 64.99
£ AntiA 24.99
Art Department Pro 2.... 139.99
.Baby 9.99
* Big Alternative Scroller ...34.99
Broadcast Titler 2 154.99
* Deluxe Paint IV 54.99
Expert Draw 49.99
* Expert 40 Jr 39.99
Font Grabber 29.99
Hot Links 49.99
Imagine 2.0 189.99
Mediastation 119.99
Personal Finance
Manager 19.99
Personal Font Maker 34.99
Professional Calc 99.99
ProDraw2.0 89.99
* Real 3D Beginners 99.99
Scala 179.99
a|c Scala 500 64.99
Scenery Animator 49.99
4 Take 2 34.99
* Video Director 99.99
Video Fonts 39.99
* Vidi Amiga 84.99
Vidi Colour Solution 139.99
£ Vista Pro 2 49.99
Educational
* Better Maths 14.99
Better Spelling 14.99
3|g Compendium 6 24.99
Distant Suns 4.1 39.99
Fun School 4 Series 15.99
GB Route Plus 54.99
Junior Typist 11.99
* Maths Mania 14.99
Micro Series 16.99
3|t Tekno Amiga 69.99
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* Development & Utilities
AMOS 29.99
* AMOS 3D 22.99
AMOS Compiler 19.99
3fe Easy AMOS 22.99
Anim Fonts 1 . 2 & 3 29.99
£ Blitz Basic 49.99
Can Do V1. 6 64.99
Dev Pac 3.0 49.99
Directory Opus 25.95
Diskmaster 32.99
HiSpeed Pascal 64.99
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Home Accounts 2 36.95
Quarterback 5.0 39.99
Quarterback Tools 44.99
SASC 159.95
Turbo Print Pro 39.99
Hardware
Boot Selector Switch 14.99
512K RAM with clock 29.99
1.5Mb RAM with clock ....82.99
Invision Plus/Live 499.99
Kickstart Switch 16.99
Naksha Mouse 22.99
Optical Mouse 29.99
RGB Splitter 59.99
RocGen Genlock 84.99
RocGenPlus 129.99
RocLite Drive 54.99
Podscat Graphics
Tablet 189.99
Touch Screen
for Amiga 229.99
3 Button Track Ball 34.99
Zydec Trackball 29.99
Zydec Amiga Drive 49.99
Zydec A500
1Mb RAM Card 44.99
Zydec Hand Scanner ....119.99
Music & Sound
AD1012/Studio 16
Card 399.99
Audio Engineer Plus 2 ..149.99
Audition4 34.99
Deluxe Music Const.
Set 49.99
Megamix Master 29.99
Perfect Sound 39.99
Pro Midi Interface 19.99
Sound Enhancer - NEWI.29.99
Stereo Master 29.99 *
Techno Sound Turbo 29.99
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Excellence 3.0 59.99
Gold Disk Type 29.99 *
Page Setter 2 34.99
Page Stream 2.2 129.99 ^
Pen Pal 49.99
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Transwrite 29.99
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*************
COMMS
ettlng up a BBS Is not a
simple task. It takes quite
a while and there are a lot
of decisions to be taken.
Amiga Shopper Is here to help, so
we've come up with a guide to
setting up your own BBS.
We start off with what equipment
you will need, how much it will cost
and how to plan your board. Next
month we'll take a look at the
software that is available and
examine how easy it is to use and
This month our
comms expert
Phil Harris
begins a look at
how 7 to build
your own BBS
which features are provided. Finally
we'll finish off with a look at some of
the BBS utilities available and a look
round an example board where the
theory has been put into practice.
SETTING UP
As we examine the set-up process
we'll be looking at the general
features boards contain, which will
be of interest to you even if you are
not planning on setting up your own
board.
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
BBS - A bulletin board system. A BBS is simply an electronic notlceboard.
Callers to the system leave messages for other users to see. or can
download and upload files for other people.
Download - To transfer a file from a BBS to your own computer. Boards will
usually limit the amount of time you have to spend downloading files,
although many boards reward uploads with longer download times.
Upload - To transfer a file from your computer to a BBS.
Modem - A MODulator DEModulator. A modem is used to translate signals
from your computer to and from audible signals that can be transmitted
down a telephone line.
Terminal - A software package which enables you to communicate with a
modem.
Having spent a few months
wandering round the bulletin boards,
many users get the urge to set up
their own BBS. One of the reasons
for this is money.
Although setting up a board can
cost a not inconsiderable amount of
money, it does mean that files,
messages and users come to you,
saving you an awful lot of phone
calls.
SAVING MONEY
One of the main reasons for wanting
to set up a BBS is to save money, so
the chances are that you will use
your modem less. But if you want
your board to become successful you
will need to put effort into keeping it
up to date, in particular by obtaining
the latest and greatest files, so you
will still need to use your modem.
8il i?. , «B.%K u s:*Tii.Ss?T !WS.'? r . 8 " $ •• '""'* "~ * »— » e " ""
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104ns and groans to no or Qargrauarr*
Thanks For your Co-Operation and Hop* to Chat Soon... fill n BESf for '9?
D/--V
///ri ,f/s x£//> //>/ GvV "'"/// =>
Hit an«« K*y to continue
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Weird names abound at the Big Bang Burger Bar, an excellent BBS with the
custom software Rapport
THE EQUIPMENT
The first thing you need to decide
before setting up a bulletin board
system is what equipment you need,
and more importantly, what you can
afford.
Obviously you will need a
computer, a modem and a telephone
line. If you're reading this the
chances are you'll already have a
computer, and it will be an Amiga so
we'll assume that from now on.
BAUD FOR THE BOARD
You may already have a modem as
well. If not. the minimum speed you
need is really 2400 baud, with
support for 300 and 1200 as well.
You could go for a faster 9600 baud
modem complete with data
compression and the works, but it is
better to stick with a slower and
cheaper modem to begin wtth.
You may well decide that you
don't like running your own BBS after
all and decide to pack it in, so the
cheaper the modem the better when
you're just starting out. You can
usually reckon on the modem costing
£50-£100. Whatever modem you
have it must have an "auto-answer"
facility to enable it to function with
the BBS software. Most new
modems have this; get a Hayes
compatible model and you'll be OK.
If you do already have a modem
you will need to decide whether you
still wish to use it for your own
comms work, and if so how often you
will use it. If you only have one
modem the BBS will have to be
taken off-line while you dial your
favourite board and this will lead to
frustration as your callers find your
board continually down.
If you do want to keep using the
modem and not disturb the board too
often you will need a second modem,
and a computer to use it wtth. which,
unless you are lucky enough to
already have one spare, will be
expensive.
We'll assume you will be cutting
down on your comms use and using
it in the quiet moments for now
though.
THE TELEPHONE UNE
The third requirement for a BBS is a
telephone line. There are two
options: use an existing line or get a
new one installed.
Using an existing line is
obviously the cheapest and most
preferable option. There are major
disadvantages though. Obviously
having a modem stuck on the end of
the line all the time means that
"normal" voice calls cannot be
received without the caller being
greeted with a high pitched whistle
every time they call.
There are ways around this.
Limiting access to the board is the
most obvious or you could try only
allowing calls between certain times,
when other callers won't be
phoning. Late night is usually the
best time for this, say between 9pm
and 9am.
The disadvantage with this is
that you could lose callers who don't
ordinarily have access to their
modem at the time you are open. A
night time board, for instance, would
miss out on callers who use their
modems from the office during the
day.
Inevitably people will forget that
the board is not on-line during the
86
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
COMMS
day and try to phone anyway. They'll
be shocked when you answer the
phone and you'll get an earful of
modem.
RINGBACK RIGMAROLE
There is another way of combining
voice and modem calls on one line,
using "ring back' software. Ring
back software waits for the
telephone to ring and counts the
number of times it does so. If the
phone continues ringing beyond a set
number of rings (usually three or
four) the software ignores the call,
allowing you to answer it.
If the phone stops ringing before
the limit is reached the software puts
the modem into auto-answer mode
and if another call comes in within
the next minute or so it will be
answered by the modem.
That way voice callers can still
get through, but modem users who
follow the correct procedure de dial.
wait for one or two rings, hang up,
then dial again) get through to the
BBS.
As with the limited access
method, people will forget and you
will answer the phone to a modem
occasionally but the board will be
available for longer periods giving you
more callers.
GETTING A NEW UNE
Obtaining a new line is the most
satisfactory option, but also the
most expensive. A new line from BT
will cost you approximately £150. not
the sort of thing to be taken lightly,
and if there is any chance of you not
wanting to run the BBS. you are
better off using an existing line until
you are certain you like the idea.
A new line is by far the best
option though; it gives full access to
the board with the least hassle and
you can still use the other line for
your own calls. Even if you are sure
that you will want a new line, it is
best to leave it as late as possible,
just in case.
DRIVE DECISIONS
The one thing that BBSs are always
short of is space. No matter how
much storage space you have, you'll
always need more, particularly if you
want to make lots of files available.
You've got three options on the
Amiga.
FLOPPY DRAWBACKS
It is possible to run a BBS from a
single floppy drive but I wouldn't
recommend it. By the time you've put
the BBS software on the disk, plus
the message base and any support
files required, there will be no room
for any files.
Adding a couple of external disk
drives (£50-£100 each) would give
you an extra couple of megabytes of
space for files. In an ideal world,
though, that's still not really enough.
Of course, you don't have to
have files. It is possible to run a
message-only BBS, particularly if you
have some form of expertise which
you can offer callers. However,
floppies are pretty slow and callers
will soon get frustrated with the long
delays which are costing them
money.
But. it's files which attract
would make using floppies much
easier and quicker, although it's still
far from ideal.
HARD DRIVE
This is by far the best method of
storing the files required for running
a BBS. Indeed, it is the only way for
a serious BBS of any size.
The Amiga does have a
disadvantage compared to other
An example of how to make your board Interesting - the Information screen
from the Big Bang BBS
callers, so although it is possible to
run a BBS from floppies on a
temporary basis it isn't really viable
in the long term.
RAM DRIVE
If you have plenty of RAM you could
conceivably run the BBS from RAM.
You would, however, need to copy
any data files to disk regularly to
ensure that they weren't lost if the
power went down.
RAM does give you very fast
access, but that's about all. The risk
of losing the board at a moment's
notice due to a power cut or
something similar is really too great
to allow its use.
A RAM drive could be used in
conjunction with a traditional floppy
drive to give extra storage space, for
the BBS software perhaps. This
machines when it comes to hard
drives in that they are quite
expensive compared to drives for
other machines, although, with a
little shopping around, it is possible
to get pretty large drives for a
reasonable price nowadays.
The minimum size for a hard
drive-based system is really 30
megabytes although a 20 megabyte
system would suffice for a while.
Remember that if your board begins
to get more successful in the future,
you will probably want to upgrade to
give yourself more room for files.
WHICH SOFTWARE?
Finally, you'll want some software.
There are plenty of packages
around to choose from, from freebie
systems written in Basic to full-scale
commercial packages which can
The name you choose for your BBS Is important. A good name will attract
callers. What constitutes a good name depends on your point of view, but
It's still worth putting a little thought into this area...
If you wish only to attract Amiga callers then putting Amiga in the title
gets the message across immediately. 01 FOR AMIGA for instance is clearly
an Amiga only board.
Alternatively you could choose a name relating to the theme of your
board, something which will make it stand out to other people interested in
the subject matter. For instance, The Big Bang Burger Bar will immediately
attract the attention of anyone interested in The Hitch Hikers Guide To The
Galaxy, where the name comes from.
Or you can choose an unusual name. People will always be attracted to
the board because of the name. Pernicious Anaemia BBS fails into this
category.
Once you've chosen your name, it's a good idea to check to make sure
that one does not already exist with the same name. It would be confusing
and counter productive to have two boards with the same name and some
sysops defend their names with vigour.
s jQ
cost several hundred pounds.
It is best to plan the layout and
feel of your board before you get the
software. That way you can ensure
that the software you get can do
what you want it to. This enables you
to create the board you want rather
than what the software wants.
We'll be taking a close look at
the various packages available next
month but before then we'll discuss
how to design your bulletin board,
and make it a success.
ANATOMY OF A BBS
A lot of thought must go into what
your board is going to contain, and
what »s going to make it stand out
from the rest of the BBSs.
A BBS is divided into several
sections, we'll take a look at each
one in turn giving a quick description
of what you'll find there.
1 MAIN MENU
The main menu is the first area
callers see. From here it should be
possible to get to most other areas
on the board. It is also a good idea
to include some general purpose
options from here such as a help
command for users to find out more
about the layout of the board, and a
"page sysop" option to allow users
to chat to you.
2 BULLETINS
The bulletins area is a selection of
text files accessible from a menu.
Exactly what is contained in the
text files is up to you but common
items include board news containing
any important announcements you
wish to make, information about the
board such as its history, items you
have for sale second-hand and the
rules and regulations that apply to
the board.
Sysop specials
Some sysops are also able to run
special offers with the help of local
shops and sell disks, software,
hardware and sometimes public
domain software. The bulletin area is
the ideal place to advertise that sort
of thing.
Other boards
Many bulletin boards supply lists of
other recommended BBSs. Again,
this is a good place to put a text file
giving details of your own favourite
board.
Some bulletin board software
has special support for a bulletin
area which will ask users if they want
to read any bulletins every time they
call and inform them if any have
changed since they last phoned the
board. If you are planning on placing
a great deal of emphasis on
bulletins, it would be worth
(Mtinwd on poft 89
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
87
OOKING FO
LOOK NO
REMEMBER ALL DISKS SOLD BV BCS ARE FULLY GUARANTEED
ISKS & BOXES
FURTHER
DISKS! DISKS! DISKS!
m% cnmntD uttot nut
3.5" DS/DD £22.50
3.5" DS/DD £37.00
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3.5" DS/DD £69.00
3.5" DS/DD £138.00
3.5" DS/DD £160.00
+ Call for spot price
All prices include VAT / free labels
& free delivery
DISKS + 100 CAP LOCKABLE BOXES
im% cumnio titot m
50 3.5" DS/DD + 100 cap box X25.50
100 3.5" DS/DD + 100 cap box £40.50
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200 3.5" DS/DD + 2 100 cap boxes £74.00
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500 3.5" DS/DD + 5 100 cap boxes £1 74.00
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All paces include VAT /free labels
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100 3.5" DS/DD + 80 Cap Banx Box £45.00
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All prices include VAT Free labels & free delivery
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)
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All offers subject to availability. Prices may change without notice.
Access
j
COMMS
considering software which has this
facility.
Either way, it is a good idea to
make it easy for callers to download
the bulletins as files, preferably by
having LIST FILES and DOWNLOAD
options on the bulletin menu. This is
a feature missing from all the boards
I call; something I'd like to see
corrected.
3 MESSAGE AREA
AH bulletin boards have message
areas of one sort or another.
You should provide areas for
private e-mail, general discussion
and probably an area for Amiga
specific discussion.
Which other areas you provide is
entirely up to you. Coverage of other
computers, such as PCs, will attract
other callers but you will really need
room tor storing PC software.
A better bet. particularly if you
only have a limited amount of space.
is to have general discussion areas,
covering sci-fi perhaps or television
programs. If your board has a
specific theme then message areas
for related subjects oro a must.
For example Pernicious Anaemia
BBS has horror as its theme, in
particular vampires. It has a
message area tor vampire-specific
discussion and an area for general
horror chat. See below for more
information on bulletin boards with a
theme.
4 FILES AREA
The files areas are the most
important part of a BBS, particularly
an Amiga one. You should aim to
provide as many files as you possibly
can, all archived, and make them as
easy to find as possible.
The easiest way to do this is to
split the files area into several
sections, eg:
• Communications
• Virus utilities
• Music
• Graphics
- Games
• Text files
• Programming utilities
• Word processors and text editors
Obviously, if you only have a few
(less than 50) files it is easier to
combine them all into one list,
perhaps dividing the file list into the
appropriate sections. If you have
more than fifty or so files it is worth
dividing the file area into categories.
Searching questions
A "search for filename or
description" option is also an
important part of the files area. This
allows people to find the software
they want, quickly and easily.
It is also important to have a full
file list available as a text file, ready
for downloading. Make this file nice
and visible so that it is easy to find.
You could even go as far as having a
specific menu item which allows you
to download the list from wherever
you are.
VIRUS FREE!
You should check all files for
viruses, taking particular care to
inspect uploads. Make it clear to
has, the type of editor they wish to
use etc.
6 STATISTICS MENU
Most BBS software enables you to
compile statistics about the users
who call your board. The amount of
information depends on the software
but can Include the number of calls.
both total and per user, the speeds
used, the number of downloads and
19H M:tt;?r
Slarlrn*
u melt
Scan
* lit Bases
n •ssag* Basts
* Page Sysop
h tip tn Gonnands
naln Course
• tllities
f he Guide
fO rop Feedback
it BBS Listen
I ants Room
Sweet
log Off
off Systtn
I*n sorry, I think Mt'd bt better off with a slide rule
• /aphod
Vour Choice Uth
Biff Bam liiraer b
J* 38 «+
The main menu from the Big Bang Burger Bar BBS. Clever names like this are
a good way of attracting callers, but the work doesn't stop there...
users that you do so.
It is also a good Idea to decide
on a standard archive program which
is used to archive all the files on
your BBS. This makes it easier for
beginners as they don't have to have
lots of different archive programs
and can get used to one In
particular. Which archive program you
use is up to you. I'd recommend
LHA.
If your files areas are well
organised, easy to use and contain
useful, up-to-date software, your
board will be a success. Once you
have the callers the messages will
which protocols were used how
often.
Very often to compile these
statistics you will need external
programs and we'll be taking a look
at the sort of programs available in a
future issue.
7 DOORS
A door is an external program that
can be run by the users. Most
commonly this is some form of on-
line game, and as such it can be very
enjoyable. Other doors include a
•time bank" where users can store
the time they have left on the board
Mies
tltftsavr BalltHfti
n fir
Newsletter
l«n Stats
node IB: 2 Tin* ■»: 1 Tint Uft: 31 Hil (I Res Philip » ? I 1
MB?tM
The main menu from Mission Possible
layout. Easy to use; that way you won
begin to mount up and the board will
become more interesting, attracting
even more regular callers.
5 CONFIGURATION
MENU
This area is designed for users to
configure the system for their own
use. From here they can tell the
system whether they want to have
ANSI (colour) menus, how many lines
per screen their comms package
• «2
BBS. clearly showing the menu style
't lose any callers
for a later date, and interactive BBS
lists.
8 LOGOFF MENU
You should have a log off menu
giving users the chance to change
their mind about whether they wish
to leave the BBS. A handy option to
include Is the ability to leave you a
message before leaving the BBS.
Once the user has chosen to
leave the board the final log off
message is a good place to make
some friends. If you place brief
details of other boards you
recommend users will see them as
they log off and give them a call.
The sysops of those boards will
be more than grateful for any
publicity they get and will probably
return the favour.
STANDING OUT FROM
THE CROWD
There are literally hundreds of
bulletin boards in the UK. all offering
very similar facilities and files. In
order to make your board stand out it
is important to offer something
different, something to attract people
to your board.
LAYING OUT
Once you have attracted your callers
you need to keep them.
The best way to do this is to
make your board interesting to use
by adding pictures to each menu, or
laying each one out in a specific
style. Pernicious Anaemia, for
Instance has a horror-related quote
at each menu; Mission Impossible
BBS has menus laid out to resemble
drop down menus on a computer.
It is important though that the
BBS is still easy to use. even with
your fancy layout. And if you use a lot
of ANSI graphics then be careful not
to make things too complicated, .
otherwise the board will be too slow
for slow callers to use.
USER FRIENDLY
It doesn't matter how pretty the
board is: if it is difficult to use. or too
slow, people won't use it.
Stay user-friendly at all times.
Help files makes the board easier to
use. Having a help file on each menu
is tedious to set up but is a great
boon, particularly for new users.
THEME TUNES
Another way to attract, and keep,
callers is to have a board theme.
If you have a hobby or interest
(apart from the Amiga) you can use
that as a theme for the board and
attract other like minded people.
For instance. The Big Bang
Burger Bar has a Hitch Hikers Guide
to the Galaxy theme and attracts
users who have read and enjoyed the
books. Pernicious Anaemia
specialises in horror films and
books, in particular vampires. A lot of
its callers have an Interest In that
area.
It is also possible to have a
computer-related theme;
programming or AMOS, for instance.
It does help to have some knowledge
in the area though, otherwise you'll
be Inundated with questions you
can't answer.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 1 6 • AUGUST 1 992
AMERICAS LAUGHS
SUPPLIER OF
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Trade enquiries welcome
Do you want to see your children use the computer for something
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The WordSync Quantum combination Is one of the fastest drives available for the Amiga.
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TEL/FAX: 0947 600065 (9am - 7pm)
ii a n mi \ ii a ii \ 1 1 \ ii a n a n a n a n a n a n a n a n \ it a ii \ ii a n a n a n A
COMMS
contmved from pwje 89
FIDONET LINKS
Another way to attract callers is to
provide a Rdonet link. Rdonet
provides you with a host of
messages and the facility to send
electronic mail to any Fidonet board
in the world.
Obviously this costs money, and
you're the one who has to pay for it.
It's not usually too expensive though:
one phone call per night to transfer
messages.
It is also possible to get a
central board to call you for a regular
fee. usually around £35. For that you
get all the messages you can handle
and can also request files from other
boards.
To run a Rdonet board you need
to meet certain criteria, such as no
pornographic or illegal material, real
names only etc. If you're interested
in finding out more about Rdonet.
contact a local Rdonet sysop and he
or she should be able to tell you who
to get in touch with.
RULES OF THE GAME
Just as Rdonet has rules so should
you. Of course, it's up to you exactly
which rules you have - but when
writing them you should bare in mind
the sort of user you want to attract,
the range of users who use bulletin
boards and also how strict you wish
to be.
Too strict a board will result in
less callers, and those who do call
are more likely to break a rule
they've forgotten about. If you don't
have any rules, users don't know
where they stand and some callers
may be offended by the actions of
others.
It is a very good idea to specify
no uploads of commercial software.
BBSs are often subject to checks
and if any are guilty of piracy they
can be closed down very quickly.
Foul language is also a good
thing to ban; the range of modem
users is very wide and many will be
offended by bad language.
LIMITATIONS AND
RATIOS
Most boards enforce limits on their
callers' daily usage. Limiting the time
on-line is the most common, along
with the number of files they can
download.
As users call more often and
upload files, a nice touch is to
reward those particular users, the
regulars, if you like, with a higher
security rating and allow them more
time on-line.
To encourage uploads as well as
downloads many boards enforce a
"file ratio" which limits the number of
files which can be downloaded
depending on how many you have
uploaded. You might for example
only be able to download four files
for every one you upload or
alternatively you might be able to
download 250K of files for every 25K
uploaded.
A size restriction as in the
second example is generally better
for you because the uploads will be
bigger and generally better. It's
worse for the callers though,
because they have to spend more
time uploading.
Whether you enforce a file ratio
is up to you. Speaking from
experience. I don't think it makes
much difference either way. The
uploads you do get will generally not
be of sufficient quality to warrant the
restriction and there will always be
users who will download as many
files as possible before moving on to
another board.
Most BBS software enables you
to give people who upload software a
"prize" of more time on the board
and this is a better way to encourage
uploads, twice the amount of time
spent uploading added to the users'
time on-line is common.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
Some boards offer a membership
scheme for callers. For a small fee
(usually around £10) users are given
much greater access to the board
than non-members, given longer time
on-line and are allowed to download
more files.
Many boards which offer
membership have special members-
only lines and areas which contain
the best software downloadable for
free.
Other advantages are usually
given, perhaps a help-line, or the
ability to send a disk to the sysop to
obtain the software on the board
without having to download it.
The only boards that can really
offer a membership scheme are
those which offer a large number of
files and other services.
There are so many boards
around that it must be something
really special to be able to charge for
access. Most users would rather go
to another BBS and get the same
software for free.
THAT'S ALL FOLKS
That's it for this time. Next month I'll
be taking a close look at the BBS
software available and comparing the
various facilities so that you can
decide which option is best for you.
Philip Harris can be contacted on
CIX (081 390 1255) as piharrls.
The excellent Big Bang Burger
Bar is on 081 420 6356 while
Mission Impossible BBS is on
0602 654329.
ORGANISATIONAL OPTIONS
There are three main options when deciding on the layout of your board,
subject-based, area-based or mixed.
SUBJECT-BASED
On a subject-based board all actions associated with a particular subject area
are grouped together under one menu. For example, all access to the Amiga
files and messages would be via a single Amiga menu. There would be
corresponding menus for other areas. PC, films etc. This option can result in
the menus being cluttered so menus need to be carefully designed.
AREA-BASED
On an area-based board actions are grouped together with entries for each
subject available. For example, there would be a files menu, the files menu
would allow you to download a file from various groups. Amiga. PC etc. There
would be similar areas for messages etc.
MIXED BASE
As the title suggests this is a mixture of the two. Options at the main menu
allow you to branch into areas such as Amiga or PC. From there each subject
menu allows you to branch to messages or files. This type of layout makes the
system menus less cluttered, trying to fit all the message reading options and
all the file download and search options on one screen is not always an easy
task.
Which type you use is entirely up to you; it makes very little difference to
the user. Your BBS software may have been written with a bias to a particular
sort of layout, so try and have a chat with someone who already uses that
particular software, to make sure your ideas are usable.
The fundamental building block
of the BBS board. An A500 will
do just the job. This Is where
all the action starts - software
m downloads for free and you can
chat 'til the early hours with
other nlghtbirds...
Next up's the modem - the faster the
better. Remember the quicker users
can carry out uploads and downloads.
the less time they spend on-line and
the more often they will visit
tfcw
Don't overlook the need for a
phone line. Check out the
telecommunications rivals, BT
and Mercury, to assess the
potential size of the hole to be
burned In your pocket
A hard drive Is not essential,
but It will speed up your board,
enabling your BBS to store
more files - an essential
•toment in ensuring your board
Is a success
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
91
AMIGADOS
Mark Smiddy
demonstrates
The Pest
appointment
scheduler for
Amiga DOS 7.3
oes anyone out there
still use AmlgaDOS 1.3?
It's slow, bugged and
written In a language,
BCPL, few people have even heard
of - let alone programmed In. I can
understand folks still using the 1.3
ROM to retain downward
compatibility, but still being stuck
with AmlgaDOS 1.3 must be a
comparative nightmare. Like all
classics, AmlgaDOS 1.3 is still the
weapon of choice for many of you -
as has been pointed out by the
battery of Indignation from 1.3
users wanting to use The Pest
[Amiga Shopper 13).
For those who missed it, the
original Pest is shown in Listing 1
and only works with AmigaDOS 2 or
higher. The main bone of contention
lies with the use of the revised
environment handler in lines 4 and
5. (Additionally, commands such as
IF, ELSE and ECHO are automatically
resident in AmigaDOS 2 and make
this startup extension execute at a
reasonable speed.)
The compatibility problem is this:
in AmigaDOS 2 an environmental
variable can be read directly by a
command by preceding the variable's
name with a dollar symbol. For
instance, say you gave the arbitrary
variable NAME a value of "Mark",
and then typed the following:
1>ECH0 "Hello $NAME
tr
The response from the computer
would be:
Hello Mark
In The Pest the current date is sent
to a file and processed into a global
environmental variable (called NOW)
using EDIT.
Typically, a date such as:
Monday 2-Max-92 12:30:04
becomes:
2-Mar-92
At Line 4, The Pest creates a print
file using the environmental variable
NOW, which will contain a string
such as this one here:
■■ Reminders for: 2-Mar-92 ■■
The same thing can be achieved in
AmigaDOS 1.3 by joining files
together:
•cho >T:pfl "== Reminders J
for: " noline
echo >T:pf2 " ==*n"
join T:pfl ENV:now T:pf2 J
AS T:pf
An alternative method which
achieves the same effect looks like
this:
echo >T:pfl "== Reminders J
the search string is read directly by
AmigaDOS from the NOW variable.
The solution is to trick AmigaDOS
1.3 into reading the variable from a
file, and this can be accomplished
using interactive mode, by following
the command with a question mark:
search <ENV:now s:Reminders ?
Here. I've reduced the command to
its most basic format.
The file "^Reminders" is being
searched for the string contained in
-ENV:now\
Interactive mode has been
covered previously in this series, but
it's worth going over again because it
is an important, misunderstood and
LISTING 1 • LISTING 1 • LISTING 1
fl
•n"
The Pest AmlgaDOS 2 version
L echo >T:AutOl "DTA/ /*nDTA/ /*
2. date to T: today
3. edit Trtoday to QJV:now with T:Antol
4. echo >T:pf "== Reminders for: $now m
5. search >>T:pf s:Reminders "Snow" nonum
fi. if warn
7. echo "Nothing in reminder diary today. . .
8. else
9. run more T:p£
10. endif
for: " noline
join T:pfl ENV:now AS T:pf
echo >>T:pf " *=*n"
Of course, both those methods
assume you want to exactly mirror
the original function provided by the
AmigaDOS 2 version.
In practice, it would be better to
very under-used concept.
You are probably already aware
that if you supply a question mark as
part of a command line. AmigaDOS
spits out a command's template and
waits for you to enter something.
This technique was quite widely used
in older versions (1.2 and earlier) to
pre-load commands such as DIR. The
LISTING 2 • LISTING 2 • LISTING 2
The Pest AmlgaDOS 1.3 Version
1. echo >T:Autol "DTA/ /*nDFA/ /"
2. echo >T:Auto2 "2n;d*
3. echo >T:pf "== Reminders for today ■■*n"
4. date >T: today
5. edit T:today to ENV:now with T:Autol
6. search >>T:pf <ENV:now s:Reminders nonum ?
7. if warn
8. echo "Nothing in reminder diary today. . ."
9. else
10. edit T:pf to T:pfl with T:Auto2
U. run more T:pfl
12. endif
just use a simpler string as is shown
here:
echo >T:pf "== Reminders J
for today ==*n"
A more subtle problem arises at Line
5 where the reminders file is being
searched for specific dates, because
arrival of RESIDENT in 1.3 and ROM-
based AmigaDOS at 2.x means this
technique has been almost
forgotten.
The key thing to remember is
this: when a command enters
interactive mode, it can read input
cottiwed on pogt 95
92
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
s
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SWITCHSOFT Dcpl AS82
26 Ridgeway. Darlington,
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SWITCHSOFT
Amiga-64-Link
Links C64 peripherals to Amiga parallel port
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Standard "Ami-64-Link" £35.25 Prices include VAT and delivery
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York Electronic Research (0904) 610722
The Paddocks, Jockey Lane, Huntington, York Y03 9NE
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HARDWARE
A500 Plus & Software £349.00
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1084S Monitor £237.00
Phone for 2000 & 3000 prices.
Amiga int drive £49.00
Cumana Ext drive £54.00
Zydec Ext drive £49.00
512K upgrade with clock £27.90
512K upgrade no clock £24.90
1.5 Mes upgrade with clock £79.00
1 Meg Amiga plus upgrade £46.99
StarLC-20 £149.00
Star LC 24-10 £214.00
Star LC200 Colour £204.00
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JOYSTICKS
DISKS with labels
Quickshotll £6.50
Speedking Autofire £10.50
Competition Pro 5000 Black £11.90
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Please phone for bulk purchase discounts
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Orders by phone or post to:
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P.O-'s/Visa/Access
,
AMIGADOS
from anywhere - including files. This
effect can bo achieved by supplying a
command's argument in a file and
preceding the filename with '<"
(redirect input from file). Here for
example, the search string Is read
from the contents of the file
"ENV:now":
■•arch <ENV:now a : Reminder • ?
Interestingly enough, it is also
possible to supply further
parameters on the command line
too. Therefore, since The Pest uses
the NONUM switch, we can add that
too:
March <ENV:now s: Reminders J
NONUM ?
The following piece of code should
help illustrate the usefulness of
using the question mark to put
AmigaOOS into interactive mode. Try
typing it in and executing it. but take
to the NIL: device and the condition
codes (WARN, ERROR and so on)
tested, but The Pest creates a file
based on SEARCH'S output.
The solution therefore is to
create another EDIT macro which will
hack out the extraneous information
and make the output look better. As
it turns out, this is quite simple to
do. The file consists of a header, one
blank line, then the unwanted
template. Therefore the EDIT macro
is constructed to skip two lines and
delete the next one like this:
2n;d
A script based on this idea is shown
in Listing 2 and should be inserted
just before the LOADWB command in
the startup-sequence. Alternatively,
you can execute the script in its own
right - but this should be done late
on in the startup-sequence.
PEST CONTROL
Most of this article has so far
concentrated on the use of the
LISTING 3 • LISTING 3 • LISTING 3
The Pest 2 - Newshell, EDIT Version
X.echo >T:Autol "DTA/ /*nDFA/ /•
2. date >T: today
3. edit Titoday to ENV:now with T:Autol
4. search >NIL: <env:now S: reminders ?
5. if warn
•.echo "•e[0;OH*e[JNothino in reminder diary today..-*
7. else
8. echo "*e[0;OH*eU— The Pest (1.3) — *nOne moment J
please ..."
9. echo >T:Auto2 "2CL"
10. echo >T:a "0(f/*
U. echo >T:b m /j?;n) m
12. join T:a ENV:now T:b AS T:c
13. edit TlC TO T:Auto3 with T:Auto2
14. edit S: Reminders with T:Auto3 VKR-* TO=NIL:
15. ask "Press <Retura> to exit"
16. endif
17. endcli
note of what happens when you do
LIST >T:T«mp SYS:
ECHO >T: Search ".info"
SEARCH <T:Search T:Temp J
NONGM ?
The first two lines create a dummy
file to search and something to
search for respectively. This just
ensures the SEARCH command will
do something. Execute the search a
couple of times and watch what
happens.
Notice how the command's
template appears? If this output
were being sent to a file, that
template would also appear and
would look messy. This technique is
usually used with output redirected
SEARCH command to locate and
print text strings within a file - that
is, after all, what it's there for.
However, the AmigaDOS line editor
also has a search feature and with a
little cajoling it can be pressed into
useful service.
The basic idea is this: get EDIT
to search for any lines containing the
required string - a date in this case -
and display them. In fact, this is
more complex than it appears.
Because EDIT is a line editor, it
stops when a matching string is
found on a line; initiate another
search from the same position and
EDIT finds the same occurrence. In
other words it get locked in a loop -
always assuming you can get it to
■pp97
D0S-2-DUALITY
For a number of reasons I am not a big fan of ROM switches, however I
have to admit, there are benefits of having two operating systems In one
machine. One of the disadvantages, of course, Is the Incompatibility
between AmigaOOS 1.3 and AmigaDOS 2. Several readers have written In
asking If It's possible to automatically sense which Klckstart Is In use and
load the appropriate version of Workbench/ AmigaDOS from a hard disk.
The obvious approach is to use the AmigaDOS 2 boot menu (hold both
mouse buttons after a reset) and have two bootable partitions on the hard
disk. The first partition contains a 1.3 Workbench, the second contains
version 2. This can be problematical - especially if you have a mouse based
ROM switch.
One option is to ask which Kickstart is in use, then execute the correct
sequence. It could look something like this:
ASK "Press Y < Ret urn > for 1.3 or <Return> for 2.04"
IP WARN
EXECUTE S:Bootl.3
ENDIP
; The 2.04 boot sequence continues here
Besides being a little awkward, this doesn't actually work very well! If you
display something early in the AmigaDOS 2 Startup-sequence, the default
screen preferences are loaded from ROM. This causes IPREFS to complain
when it starts later in the script.
The only other alternative is to build a startup which will automatically
sense which Kickstart version is in use at the time and load the appropriate
Workbench. This method is shown in Listing 4 as a script fragment which
should be entered at the beginning of the main Workbench 2 Startup-
sequence.
HOW IT WORKS
ECLECTIC STARTUP
1. Creates a file in the RAM disk containing the location of ECHO. This
command is resident in AmigaDOS 2, and a transient command in older
versions. Therefore the file will contain either:
RESIDENT ECHO
-or-
CiECHO
2. Tests the file created in the previous step for the presence of the
substring: RESIDENT. If this is found {as it will be for Kickstart 2) the WARN
flag will be cleared: otherwise it will be set.
In effect, the WARN condition, warns (well, what else would you expect
something called warn' to do?) of the lower Kickstart version.
(Conventionally, this test could be done with VERSION, but the command can
be problematical when used in this way.)
3. Checks which version of Kickstart is in use and branches accordingly.
Kickstart 1.3 causes execution to continue; Kickstart 2 causes execution to
branch to 10.
4. Calls the 1.3 ASSIGN command to re-assign the command directory. (See
notes below).
M. Re-assign the main system directories to their correct positions on the
hard drive.
9. Runs the original 1.3 Startup-sequence.
10. Close the IF construct opened at 3. Execution only gets here if the 2.04
Kickstart was sensed.
CMtiawd m pop 97
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 •AUGUST 1992
05
Km
omputi
Intern ail
Ya
ncj
Hill
33 Ormskir
Roadj
Prest
Lancashi
PR1 2
iTT
(0772) 2
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(0772) 5610
Indhroko Compufnp ate the tongas'
establshed Alan dealer in the UK We
have developed an extensive customer
service poky which means that we test
alt Hardware prior to despatch to
ensure thai goods arrive *) working
order Although our prices are not
always the cheapest we do endeavour
to otter consistently good service and
backup. This isnt /us/ our opmon we
were voted 'Best Dealer 1989' by the
readers ot ST World magazine, not lor
the njrrtM* ot boxes sttfted' but fur
quatty service
At prices are correct at copy date
10/06/92 (whfte slocks lasti and are
subtect to change without prior notice
Please phone for up to date prices AB
paces rndude \AT On orders under
£60 add €3 tor postal detvery or £6
for next working day detvery On orders
wet f 00 adrJ £3 tor next wukng day
detvery {prices lor detvery UK
matnand orty) At prices avataiM on
Marl Order Shop prices may differ Shop
4 Mat order prernmoo- 33 Ornnhrh
Road. Preston Lancashwe. PRt 2QP
Open Monday to Saturday 930am to
500pm Phones answer ml from
900am Dealer enguwies welcome
Ladbroke Computmg Inter national is a
trnrtng name rt tartwnkn I'tmfvitmg
Ltd. At trado marks rocogrvsod
Due to limitations of space
wc cannot list all our
products please phone for
Diakboxes from £6.99.
Amiga Workstation £4999.
ICD Ad-Speed £189.99.
Dustcovera from £399.
Phone for details of our
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Phone for more details.
Emms
The NEW Golden Image cJ&r*
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tf 150 Dpi resolution
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ft Includes Deluxe Paint III software
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A tOO. 200. 300. 400 Dpi hand scarcer with 64 halftone levels lor three dfferent
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Jin Scan Hand Scanner £9999
Special Offer while stocks last
Phoenix ROM sharer with
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1.3 ROM £29.99
q' Digital Track Counter
\3f Daisy chain 'through" connector
H' Data enable/disable switch
H" Only £5499 including P&P
wm
QVP H A500 Hard drives include injection moulded styling. Internal RAM
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1Mb Cartoon Classics
Pack £329.99
Includes: A500 Plus computer
with tv)b on board RAM, mouse,
modulator. Workbench 2.
Lemmings. Captain planet,
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New A600 £365
Includes Mb Amiga 600 with
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and 1 excitng game.
New A600 with
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As above with a 20Mb Internal
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Bare Amiga 1.3
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Golden Image 512K
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Phone for Ultimate Basketball Falcon
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Defender of the Crown Chaos in
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Vista Advanced miitary systems.
Illustrated Holy Bble.
Star SJ48 BubWejet £239.99
Star LC-20 £139.99
Star LC-200 colour £199.99
Star LC-24/20 £199.99
Star LC-24/200 £229.99
Star LC-24/200 colour £289 99
Al Star pmters nctde \2 mentis an site warranty
Al pmters ncUte STAmga/PC compaH*
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Phelps 8833MKI £ 219.99
hcudes cabla F19 and t? months on sie
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Phlips 15" FST Cube TV £ 269 99
Fastext. scart mput TV near monrtor quatty
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Phiips 15' FST Tv £ 22999
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swifchabto between STAmgn £14.99
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Lynx sort cases £9.99 Oyrtynx cab© £699
New Battery pack £999 Lynx 2 sunvsor £599
Phone toe Wax. Uttmele chess, Rotootron Shanghai. Chps chalenga Xybots.
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Sega
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Includes K
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Phon*> tot
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tftuuna
AMIGADOS
t n i'm n i fr«a p«et 95
USING ECLECTIC
STARTUP
tf only it were that simple! In many
respects It is. but a certain
amount of work remains, to
ensure you do get a complete 1.3
Workbench. Before you run this
script for the first time you should
copy the appropriate directories
from an original copy of
Workbench 1.3.x. Assuming you
have booted from the hard disk
(Into AmigaDOS 2) this is what
you have to do:
MAKEDIR SYS:DEVS_1.3
MAKEDIR SYS: LIBS 1.3
MAKEDIR SYS :S.. 1.3
MAKEDIR SYS:L_1.3
MAKEDIR SYS:C_1.3
MAKEDIR SYS : Systmv_l . 3
MAKEDIR SYS: Prefe .1.3
COPY <M0:DEVS SYStJ
DEVS_1.3 ALL
COPY dfO:LXBS SYS:-
LIBS.. 1.3 ALL
COPY dtO:L SYS:L_1.3 ALL
COPY dfO:S SYS :S 1.3 ALL
COPY dfO:C SYS:C_1.3 ALL
COPY dfO: System J
System 1. J ALL
COPY d£0;Prefe -J Pref»_1.3
ALL
COPY d£0: fonts FONTS: ALL
COPY dfO: System. Info J
SYS : Sy s tern . 1 . 3 . info
COPY dfO:Prefs.lnfo J
SYS : Pref «_1 . 3 . info
You also need to modify the
following in the 1.3 Startup-
sequence. (Don't forget, the 1.3
startup script is in S_1.3!) These
lines:
8YS:Syatam/FastM«mPirst
SYS: System/ SetMap OB
Path ram: c: ays: system J
s: syaiprefs add
should be rewritten thus:
aia : 3y»x«n_i - 3 / FaBtnanr lrit
SYS:Sy«tStt_1.3/SatMap OB
Path ram: c: ayat«n_1.3 J
a: BYB:prel8_1.3 add
GOTTA PROBLEM?
If you got stuck with AmigaDOS or
there is anything specific you would
like to see covered here, drop a line
detailing your conundrum to: Mark
Smiddy. Amiga Shopper. 30
Monmouth St, BATH. BA1 2BW.
Sorry, no personal correspondence
can be entered Into. You can EMail
me on CIX © "SMIDOID*.
(MthMMd frea ssst 95
loop in the first case that is.
The solution is a macro like the
following:
0<f/-atring*/i?/n)
Briefly, here's what it all does...
The semi-colon character is used as
a command separator.
• on
The commands contained in brackets
are executed in a loop until the Input
is exhausted.
• f/-etrina w /
Locate the string "String" anywhere
in the current line, or search the text
until any occurrence is found. (The
string in the final script Is assembled
as part of the macro.) This function
is case-sensitive so UPPER and lower
case are different.
Display the current line. Strictly
speaking this is the verify function
which sends output to EDIT's own
verify display port. This Is usually the
current console and the relevance of
this will become clear later on.
Go to the next line, or stop if there Is
no input left to search.
Unfortunately, that is not the
complete answer. EDIT normally
outputs every line it scans to the
console or the TO file. It also
generates a separate 'verify" output
and this is the one we will use here.
The main scan output will be sent to
oblivion down the NIL: device, and
only the lines displayed with the '?'
command will be shown.
how rr works
Lilting 3
The complete EDIT-based Pest Is
longer, but the exercise gives rise to
some interesting examples in its own
right. You should note that a lot of
commands are grouped together,
ana thanks to the disk caching
system, this reduces the amount of
disk access.
The Pest was only intended for
AmigaDOS 2 because it takes
advantage of the ROM-based
(internal) commands, but this script
was provided as an alternative that
will only work in AmigaDOS 1.3.
Here's how it all works:
L Creates an EDIT macro that will be
used to extract the date component
from the day/date/time format
provided by DATE at Step 2. See
Amiga Shopper 13 for a more
complete description.
2. Reads the current system time
and date and sends it to a file called
Today.
Of course, your system must
have a real time clock for this to be
of any benefit.
3. Edits the date in the Today file as
described at Step 1. The edited
version is sent to the file. "now".
4. Looks in your reminder file to see
if any dates match the current date
read from the system clock. If no
match is found, the WARN flag is set;
it Is cleared otherwise.
5. Tests the WARN condition from
Step 4. If no matches were found (In
which case WARN=TRUE) execution
continues at Step 6. If WARN is not
equal to TRUE, control branches
forward to Step 7.
6. Clears the screen and displays a
short message.
The screen is cleared using the
short escape sequence:
•e(0;OH*e[J. (This is available from
7" delimiter.
12. The three files are now married
together to form something which
(assuming the date was 12-Jun-92)
would look like this:
0(f/
12-Jun-92
/;?;n)
Of course, that doesn't make a
macro, but it is necessary to include
a variable in a complex string such
as this one. Next the string has to be
assembled...
13. ...which is what this does. Look
back at that macro. Auto2. It Joins
the three lines together as one and
presto - a macro is created and
ready to run.
14. In effect this just runs the
macro, Auto3. The reminders file is
scanned for the current date and any
matches are displayed on the current
console. The TO file is directed to
NIL: so spurious rubbish produced by
'RESIDENT
LISTING 4 • LISTING 4 • LISTING 4
Eclectic Start up-sequence
1. which >RAM:tccv> ECHO
2. March >NIL: RAM: ten*
3. If warn
4. C_1.3/ASSI0N C: S*YSrC__1.3
6. C:ASSIGW S: SYS:S_1.3
6. C: ASSIGN DEVS: DEVS_1.3
7. C: ASSIGN LIES: LIBS ^1.3
8. C:ASSIGN Lt L_1.3
t. execute S: Startup-sequence
10. andif
11. ;Tha Workbench 2.04 etextup continue* here
Shell using the alias CLEAR.)
7. If execution gets here from Step 6
it branches directly to Step 16:
otherwise it continues at 8.
8. Clears the screen and displays a
two line message. (See Step 6.]
9. Creates the EDIT macro. Auto2.
This command tells EDIT to
concatenate (Join together) three
consecutive lines. Literally, two lines,
twice.
10. This is the first part of an EDIT
macro which will form the search.
The text in quotes is written to the
file 'a*, held in the RAM directory T.
The line ends at the first delimiting
■/"; a line-feed will automatically be
appended.
U, This is the third (not second) part
of the EDIT macro mentioned above.
Note how it begins with the closing
this command is not displayed.
15. Forces a short delay so you can
examine the list of jobs to do.
18. Closes the IF...ELSE...ENDIF
construct opened at Step 5.
17. Close the current Shell.
It's important to note here that
this command can be the last one in
the normal startup-sequence if you
include either version as part of your
usual startup. It must be Included if
you start Pest using the NEWSHELL
command:
NEWSHELL FROM S:Peet
©
COMING NEXT MONTH
Next month's Cracking the Shell
will demonstrate how to program
a perpetual calendar In
AmigaDOS See you then.
AMIGA SHOPPtR • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1993
•7
AMOS
Jason Holborn
spills the beans
on what's hot
and v/hat's not
in the world of
AMOS,
continues his
tutorial on
AMOS for
beginners and
explains the art
of creating high
score tables...
MOS Action may only be
three pages long this
month, but don't worry,
we haven't sacrificed on
content. We've all the usual
features including games
programming focusing on high score
tables this month and AMOS for
beginners which highlights the Joys
of hardware scrolling. Oh and don't
forget to check out page 104 for
Europress' AMOS challenge.
Changes are afoot in the world of
AMOS. Just when I was starting to
think that the AMOS scene had
nothing new to offer since last
month's exciting installment of
AMOS Action. I get a letter from Anne
Tucker of Totally AMOS fame
informing me of some quite major
changes that are taking place in the
organisation of the official AMOS PD
library {It's deemed official because
it was launched with the assistance
of Europress Software).
Until now. the AMOS library had
been handled very capably by my
good friend Sandra Sharkey. As
anyone who has either bought disks
from Sandra or just simply monitored
the library's development will know.
Sandra has done a sterling job of
launching and then fine tuning the
library into the ultra-efficient miracle
of PD distribution which we now
know. Sadly though, it seems that
Sandra has stepped down from her
mantle in order to pursue her own
interests. I'm sure we would all
agree that Sandra will be sorely
missed from the AMOS scene.
Bad news indeed, but it seems
that this story at least does have a
happy ending. Finding a replacement
for Sandra is a formidable task
indeed, but AMOS owners can rest
easy with the news that the official
AMOS PD library has been placed in
the capable hands of Len and Anne
Tucker, two very talented and active
members of the AMOS community.
PRICE FREEZE
Even Len admits that filling Sandra's
shoes is not going to be easy, but he
feels confident that he and Anne will
be able to maintain the standards of
service which have made the AMOS
PD library the choice for AMOS
programmers and developers alike.
Indeed, the changeover should be
transparent to most customers
thanks to Len's decision to freeze
prices on all the library's range of PD
and licenseware disks.
You can find out more about the
AMOS PD library and its extensive
range of AMOS only disks by writing
(stamps are jolly expensive these
days, so don't forget to include a
stamped addressed envelope!) to
Len at 1 Penmynydd Road. Swansea
SA5 7EH. Alternatively, you can call
Len or Anne on 0792 588156.
TOTALLY AWESOME
On the subject of Len Tucker. I'm
sure both Len and Anne would be
very grateful if I mentioned the fact
that issue 4 of Totally AMOS is now
available and issue 5 is only a
matter of days away. Each issue is
packed full of reviews, tutorials and
hints and tips all of which are
designed to make your AMOS
programming sessions more
productive. For more, contact Len on
the address (not forgetting to
enclose a SAE of course!). Or you
can talk to them on 0706 376572.
If you're an AMOS user, then don't miss the excellent Totally AMOS disk
magazine. As the name suggests, Totally Amos Is dedicated entirely to AMOS
If AMOS is giving you grief, then
let Jason Holborn bring relief
MAZE CRAZY
I am trying to write a game for my children which Involves them guiding a
frog around a computer-generated maze. I have already managed to get
mazes stored as IFF pictures working, but they take up a lot of disk space.
What I need Is a routine In AMOS which will automatically generate
working mazes with either 8 or 16 pixel wide paths.
Derek Dod&on
Southend-On-Sea, Essex
Hmm. sounds like quite an interesting project to set all you AMOS
programmers out there. In fact, it's so interesting that I think I'll turn it into a
mini-competition. If you think that you can write a routine which will do the
job. then send it into the usual address. Entries will be judged on efficiency
of code and the quality of the end results. Apart from the enviable accolade
of seeing your name in print, the winner will also receive a piece of mystery
software. Go for it!
DIRECT QUESTION
When one of my programs starts to get quite large. Direct Mode stops
working and I keep getting a message saying 'Too Many Direct Mode
Variables' even though I'm not using any. Is there a way around this problem?
Is It true that Sierra OnUne Is writing a game using AMOS called Hotel
Manager which Is very similar to Monopoly. Would it need to get
permission from Waddlngtons?
Paul Michalak
Chasetown. Staffs
AMOS' error messages are sometimes a little misleading. The error
message that you're getting hasn't got anything to do with Direct Mode
variables; it is being caused by a lack of memory. If possible, try to split your
program up into several smaller programs and then chain them together.
This will save a lot of memory. Failing that, get some more RAM.
Unless a program is a blatant copy of an established game, then you
won't need to get permission from a third party to market it. If Sierra is
producing a game based around Monopoly, then it will have to be somewhat
different in its gameplay and graphics to avoid legal action from
Waddingtons. If you do produce a direct clone of an established title, then
you^re asking for trouble. ^ ^ m ^ 1M
98
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 ♦ AUGUST 1992
AMOS
fter last month's look at
opening and positioning
screens, we continue the
theme with a look at hardware
scrolling, probably one of the most
powerful aspects of AMOS. For
games that require the background
Image to be scrolled smoothly
either up or down, left or right,
AMOS' hardware scrolling facility
gives you the tools to do the Job
with a minimal amount of fuss.
Considering the complexities of
hardware scrolling, you'll be pleased
to learn that incorporating hardware
scrolling into your own AMOS
programs is surprisingly easy.
Indeed, all that is required to get
things moving (pardon the pun) is the
command - SCREEN OFFSET. The
Screen Offset command is similar to
the Screen Display command that we
discussed last month except for one
major difference.
THROUGH THE WINDOW
The Amiga's display is split into
basically two sections - the main
display (the area that sprites,
windows and bobs can be drawn
into) and the borders around this
display area. Imagine if you will that
the display area (or 'viewport' as the
techies call it) is simply a window in
your house which you look through to
view bobs and sprites outside in your
garden. With the Screen Display
command, you can physically move
the window around the wall, but with
Screen Offset the window remains in
the same position but the landscape
outside it is moved instead.
All well and good, but there's one
big problem. If the window is 320 by
256 pixels wide then the scroll area
outside must be larger. After all, if
the scroll area is scrolled one pixel
to the left, a blank 1 pixel line will
appear on the right. If the display is
scrolled another pixel to the left.
another blank line will be displayed.
To got around this problem, you need
what is known as a 'SuperBitMap'. A
SuperBitMap is simply an image held
In memory which is larger than the
rectangular display area that you can
see on your monitor.
Take for example a superbitmap
that le 640 by 256 pixels. If your
viewport is only 320 pixels wide,
then only half of the superbitmap can
be displayed at any one time. Using
HARDWARE SCROLLING
Ul.OJ
UlPUJpnrf nriom
UISIBLE
RRER
uicuiponi
:> up trim 1 MMi-
Hardware scrolling works by changing the position of the viewport
so that a different section of a superbitmap Is exposed
hardware scrolling however, it is
possible to change the position of
the viewport so that all of the
superbitmap can be viewed. With a
game that needs the background to
be scrolled continuously in one
direction, programmers cheat by
simply looping round the
superbitmap so that when the scroll
reaches the bitmap's boundaries, it
wraps back round to view the first
part of the bitmap. If you understood
that lot, then you've already got
hardware scrolling sussed.
THEORY INTO PRACTICE
Now we've covered the theory, the
time has come to put all that you've
learned into practice. First though.
let's take a look at the Screen Offset
command. The format of the Screen
Offset command is SCREEN OFFSET
<Screen Number>, <ViewPort X
Positions <ViewPort Y Positions
The screen number parameter is
pretty straightforward, but it's worth
explaining the X and Y parameters.
These two values denote the X
and Y position of the top left hand
corner of the viewport in relation to
the top left hand corner of the
superbitmap. If. for example, you had
a 640 by 256 pixel superbitmap and
you wanted the viewport to display
the middle 320 pixels of the
superbitmap (we'll ignore the Y
parameter for now), the top left hand
comer of the viewport would have to
be placed at 160 pixels left of the
start of the superbitmap. The middle
320 by 256 pixels would be
displayed with 160 by 256 pixels
hidden on both sides of the viewport.
To get this kind of display, you would
therefore enter the line SCREEN
OFFSET 1.160,0.
To actually scroll the screen, all
you need is a continuous loop that
counts up from to 320 and then
resets itself and starts counting
again. When the counter equals 0,
the first 320 pixels of the bitmap will
be displayed and when the counter
reaches 320. the second half of the
bitmap will be displayed. Clever, eh?
Let's take a look at the source code
that will bring this to life.
Screen Q?en J
1,640,256. 32, Lowres
Screen Display 1. 128, , 320,256
Flash Off
Load Iff "LOWRESPIC. IFF'
Screen Copy 1,0,0,320,256 J
To 1,320,0
Double Buffer
Do
For COUNTER=0 To 319 Step 4
Screen Offset 1, COUNTER,
wait Vbl
Next COUNTER
Loop
As you can see, the hardware scroll
example above is fairly simple, but it
does introduce a couple of new
commands which you may not have
encountered.
The program starts by opening a
640 by 256 pixel screen in low
resolution. This creates a
superbitmapped screen because the
size of the bitmap that the program
allocates is too large to fit on a
standard low resolution display. In
the next line we tell AMOS how large
the bitmap must be - in this case,
320 by 256 pixels.
Next we turn off colour cycling
(Rash Off) and load up a standard
low resolution IFF image into our
superbitmap. AMOS will
automatically load the image into the
left hand side of the bitmap so we
must therefore copy the left hand
side of the bitmap to the right hand
side of the superbitmap. This
effectively gives us two copies of the
same image side by side within the
same bitmap.
Finally we have Double Buffer.
Double Buffering is quite complex. All
you need to know for the moment is
that the Double Buffer command is
necessary to keep hardware scrolling
nice and smooth. We'll be covering
double buffering in great depth in a
future issue.
GET SCROLLING
Once this is done, we can start to
scroll the screen. The scroll routine
contains two loops - one continuous
loop and a conditional loop which is
used to count from to 319. We
count to 316 simply because the
scroll position will increment in steps
of 4. Note that the loop doesn't
count up to 320. This is simply
because the loop starts at zero and
therefore counting to 320 would
actually give 321 steps (divided by
four, of course!).
Another new command that you
may not have encountered is Wait
VBL. Wait VBL is a very important
command that you'll find yourself
using increasing more as you start to
play around with graphics that are
animated (moving). Wait VBL ensures
that the Amiga only updates its
screen display when the raster beam
which draws the screen on to your
monitor screen reaches the bottom
of the screen. This way. we can
ensure that no screen updates are
made half way through a screen
refresh. Don't worry if this confuses
you - we'll be covering screen
synchronisation in a future issue.
WHAT'S IN STORE?
So there we have it - hardware
scrolling in a nutshell. Next month
we'll be taking a look at software
scrolling; AMOS' own scroll routines
are somewhat more flexible than
hardware scrolling. In the meantime
though, practise what you've learnt
by writing a couple of hardware scroll
demos yourself. Anyone who doesn't
do their homework will be put into
detention!
Gomes pr
on page 103
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
WANT MORE
GAMES
OR OTHER
EXTRAS?
JWtfk&WGUUUJnHtOt
WITHrHtK$TMX«IHEMS!n|0
a n s
ST A L r
.-11
\o.oo
AMIGA
Full UK spec., inc. mouse, power uipply oil In4i & manuok i)(
ALONE WITH MONITOR
5I2K 279.00 478.00
1MB 299.00 498.00
AMIGA
• • •
25MHZ. 100MB HD 4MB fast RAM. ?MB thtp RAM
• SCALA • Detune Point f¥ •
AlONE 3289.00
WITH PHILIPS 7CM 3279 3539,00
AMIGA 600
1MB. WB 2.05. 3 5 f D ♦ Smart Cord Imertace. with
• 1? month on-yte warranty
A600 -f DELUXE PAINT III + GAME £364.95
A600 20MB HD (larger available) £459.95
STARTER PACK I
MAX VALUf/RRP
• 10 Blank Discs* 80 capacity lockoWe disc bo» 24.98
• Mouse Mai 4.99
• Virus Killer Disk 4.99
• OPaini III or Horn* Atcoynts 79.99
TOTAL VALUE 116.95
WITH AMIGA/COTV 17.99
SEPARATELY 24.99
STARTER PACK II
MAX VAlUf /RRP
• Astra 10 aanm pock w0SM8 RAM e*p (13) 229.78
• GfABask 50.00
• Photon Point II or B«V to thi Future II (1.3) 89.9S
• HoMov Aaornrnodotton'
TOTAL VALUE 3*9.73
WITH AMIGA/CDTV 19.91
SEPARATELY 39.99
*VAio itadi Int. eatttin 2 people to stey e? to 16
«■* * e*tr 250 tot* to Get* Me* UreJt*. mi
freexe. Al yea here* to eery fee h e*eetreit mi
NO OTHER DEALER
CAN BEAT OUR
CREDENTIALS
• 8*ym«Mflmin(ommota^
• Commodore trained staff oie friendly and holplul and ore
paicnij. mulimiedio. educational, gomes, pioflrommtng or
technical specialists (woolly more than one!)
• Open 9-6 pm Mondoy lo Saturday and 1 0.00 om to * 30
pm Sunday* lor senvintent wopomg.
• Callers welcome (or advice and demonstration ol our 1600* sq
fl High Si, Town Centre branches
• Next day delivery lor most orders received by S pm; express 7
om-9 om and Saturday services available
• Hardware coi efully handled and delivered safely and reliably
by coged, insured, top name courier service
• 1 00\ pri-dcspalrh testing on Arnicas
• Free 30 day, next day courier cooVtwn and delivery of NfW
njplocemeni
• HoHme support and in house engineers
• Extended warranty available on many products
Upgrade and trade m offers la keep you up la dele
• txcepnonol otter sain service
COMMODORE PREMIER DEALER
Hobeyte pfeuety emeunte *V. reojheii CBM onoloeY
nreroed to orey the top tew den* CIM dedets eH« mo. the
besr n eiaerftse end s*oert Al Aniees M UK ventanv
BH=J.lItIi
HERTSIAL3 5DG TEL i072?) 58005.41396
I. 4«f;Vllq;iWil;K l»7'll ^tidjli : UMileW
BEDS LU1 2PG TEL (05B2) 457195/411281
AMIGA
PUIS
Full UK spec . mc mouse, power supply, leods & monuok. itc mc
updated Agnus & Oemse chips for better screen resolution to
1 780x51 2. Xkkstart & Workbench 2 04. tipandabte to 7MB CHIP
memory & battery dock
ALONE WITH MONITOR
1MB 309.00 509.00
2MB 349.00 549.00
Zydec external 1 dnve with on/off & daisy chain port ADD 48.00
Also with Kjckstort 1 3 - ROM Shorn for swedei* between I ]•? 04
MiftmnotaaMriMtyBfobtams ADD47.99
CARTOON CLASSICS
GAMES PACK EXTRA
(1MB REQUIRED)
VALUE/RRP
• Cortoon Oossics Games, lemmings 25.99
The Simpsons 24.99
Caplain Plonet 25.99
• Deluxe Poinl III wilh animation 79.99
• 3 Disc Home Pock including Word Processor
Spreodsheel, Database or PD Games compilation 9.99
TOTAL VALUE 161.96
WITH AMIGA/CDTV 15.99
SEPARATELY 29.99
1 SOO PACK EXTRA
(CAN BE USED WITH A500
1MB AND A500 + )
VAlUt/RRP
• The Works Platinum, word preceser, se*eoesWt
database 1*9.95
• Deluxe ft»mi lit ^animation 79.99
• Get the most out of your Arngo book 9.95
• Hobeyte SO rVoorommePD Greats Pock II 39.95
EITHER OR
• S*m Ory • Ponnk 24.99
• Populous • tab 24.99
• Their finest Hour • Digital Home Accounts 79.99
• fcrttUchess • Bf 79.99
• Miaoswilth Turbo Joystick 9.99
TOTAL VALUE 418.79
WITH AMIGA/CDTV 49.99
SEPARATELY 69.99
SPECIAL Alto with Cartoon Clanks Games ADD 1 2.99
III I
WHAT THE CUSTOMERS SAY
"extremely courteous and rapid response lo my problem'' I will not
hesitate lo recommend you to my colleoflues."
Or Donel Moddy Slough
"Thank you lot dealing so promptly with my requests. '...1 was reluctant
about ordering my computer moil order However I have been very pleased
with my dealings with Habbyte -you ore to be commended for your
customer wwi "
Trevor Patterson Bangor
"We have oeort with monv ol me leading computer suppliers, In the post.
but the seme you provided was second to none ' rfflnleii pmion
"Thank you lor everyone's good seme'...' it orrrved ot 7.2flom the next
David I Thames ■ VVohemameeafi
1 wes very enaressed with the service I received si d* first enioece I
reefy oppreciotad how owekry you m onoe i d to eet the erinn
wenyourLuteribronchforree- n^Mumm-mmmm
f ^OWTOus^JJJ^^
•)«iL^iftS^ yw con dioo,« y0w#
«• « A 1506 wifhoui ««„»
AMIGA 1
full UK spec with I Ml RAM. mouse, oiponuon os 2000, leods. manuals
Hew includina Kickstai I & Workbench 2.04
Hard disc ccwittowofton inc. the mgh performance GVP II controler cord,
«PANDABL£ TO SMI. Fes) ratable S2MB . 1 2GW.8 Qtarttum Driv« ore «*A
ALOHI WITH 8833 WITH 7CM ♦ FFIXER
Dual Dove 495.00 695.00 859.00
D0.GVP.20MBHD 699.00 S99.00 1065.00
DD.GVP.52M8HD 765.00 969.00 1129.00
DO. GYP. 120M8H0 908.00 1112.00 1272.00
Per extra 2MB fitted to GVP
Aho with fcckstart 1 3 * I0M Sharer
ADD 60.00
ADO 47.99
CDTV
The uhemota CD inleroctve muhi medN moclwe with on torn iesoef
• COTV with CD I0M dnve • Hoir>wsons Encydeeoeie CD
• temrmnosCD • Welcome CD - tutorial
• DrscCoooV • Remote control unn
AS ABOVE 439.99
ALSO With keyboard ond block matching disc drive to allow access lo
whole range of Amiga disc based software 549.00
SPECIAL Also with up to f 90 worth of (D titles ot your choice!
ADD 60.00
THE HOT LOT PACK
(1MB REQUIRED)
VAIUE/RRP
• Cartoon Oossks Gomes Ummmos 25.99
TheSimpsom 24.99
Captain Planet 25.99
• Deluxe Pomi III with animation 79.99
• 10 GRUT inAviduolry oockoged pomes, previous 269.82
RRPs up lo 39.99 each, phone lo choose from current list, or
leave it lo us! CMdren s gomes eveitaeie.
• SO Progiamme Hobbyte PO Great Pocks II 39.99
• Dust Covert mouse mat 9.98
• 1 Blank Drscs. 80 Capoory Disc Bo. 26.98
• fcucroswtch turbo loyshck 9.99
TOTAL VALUE 513.72
WITH AMIGA
SEPARATELY
SPECIAL ALSO 10 extra groat garnet
59.9^
79.99
ADD 25.00
PROFESSIONAL FAMILY
PACK
(1MB REQUIRED)
VALUE/RRP
• Cartoon Oawks Games; lemmings 25.99
The Simpsons 24.99
CoplomPtanel 25.99
• Deluxe Poinl III with onrmaiion 79.99
• The Works Ptalinum Word Processor, Spreodsheel
and Database 169.99
• Their finest Hour, flight Simulator 29.99
Of) Back lo the future and Postman Pol ( 1 .3 only)
OR Digital Home Accounts or f dd the Duck
• Virus Killer Disk 4.99
• SO Piogiomme Hobby!* P0 Greats Pack II 39.99
• Hobbyte Infant Junior (specify) or Secondory
EducotWAoi Pock 19.99
• IOWUDV^.80Cop«.tyl«koBUeWeo« 26.98
• Mouse Mot ♦ Dust Cover 9.98
• Tutbo MKroswitch Joyshck 9.99
TOTAL VALUE 468.86
WITHAMIGA/CDTY 79.99
SEPARATELY 99.99
SPECIAL: Also wilh Star LC 200 9 PIN
Colour Printer and Starter Podt ADD 1 85.00
AUo with Citiren 224*24 Pin
Colour Prwiler and Starter Pack ADO 245.00
COMMODORE PREMIER DEAL
GOLD DEALER • CDTV CENTRE •
/ ' ' ■
FAMOUS FIVE PACK
7-15 YEARS V ^ U[/RRP
Join Enid Bh/ton s Fomous Five to solve ihe mystery of Treasure
Island in this educotional tnferoctrve adventure 74.99
AOl choose from ony eawrtanwg Meeionol CwrcuU
Moite ck EnoW, course from Fun School eeofenors.
OH ony Fun School 7S.99
forget moths, suite of 4 fun progrommes aimed ai specific
Notional Curriculum targets OR Molhs Adventure-
Tilts odventure through time allows pupils to revise ond
(hock their progress in National Curriculum moths 75.99
Sim City • Eiwoftortol gome award winner ond Populous
Oft Hf • trawl as Cornelius iht Bf ond ham ■ aafctive
punlegome 49.91
Hobbyle Junior or Secondary EeVceaonol PD rock featuring
up lo 1 7 learn whrfe you ploy' gomes
• Hobbyle SO programme PD Greats II Pock
• Microswitch Turbo Joystick
TOTAL VALUE
WITH AMIGA/CDTV
SEPARATELY
SPECIAL Also with 10 free* #*v*Juaty pexkofed oames
Hh up to £39.99, phone lo choose from current list, or
leave it lout! Children s games available
VALUE £269.82
ADD £34.99
19.99
39.99
9.99
196.97
•
•
■
S9.99
79.99
ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
PACK 3-9 YEARS
VAWE/RRP
fun School 2, under 6 years, 68 yean or 8* years 1 9.99
Fun School 3 or 4. specify under S yean. 5 lo 7 yean or
/• yean.
1 2 stunning UK eductions! gomes with beautiful
pictures, exciting animation and music that helps lo develop
number word and other skills Up to 6 skill levels.
Conform to National Curriculum requirements. 74.99
Postman Pat (1.3 only), OR Edd the Ouck (7. years) Oft
Matched Pairs OK Slinky s Scory School 1 4.99
Hobbyle Infant or Junior (speary) Educational Ped,
fe^un^uptolJleo^wWeywp^-oemts 19.99
Hobbyle 30 Easy OOdrens Gome* 1 pock one
induing Train Set and other top enlertoining PO title 1 9.99
10 Blank Discs 6.99
Joystick 9.99
Deluxe Paint ll/Photon Paint II or Elf or Puzznic 89.99
TOTAL VALUE 206.97
WITH AMIGA/CDTV 49.99
SEPARATELY 69.99
SPECIAL With Cartoon Classics Games ond Dpomt hi ♦
of Dpomt ll/Pfcolon Point II ( 1 MB reo.)
VALUE 80.00
ADD 14.99
GOLDILOCKS PACK
5* 1 1 YEARS
MAX VALUE/HP
The Three Bears A colourful educational anTinlectokwg
odventure loosely based on the froartional story (Wnpreves
reo«^siQfcenddeveie»si» B i.ii> l endtcyol
aaefjil 72.9S
Money Molten Four graphically briiant ond educationally
sound gomes with coins keyboard overlay, lop reviews 74.99
Postman Pot (1.3 only). OR Edd the Ouck (7+ yean) OR
Matched Pairs OR Bh'nky's Scory School
Hobbyle Infant or Junior (specify) Educational Pock.
leetvnng up to 1 2 "learn wtwW you stay- pomes
HobbyH30EtsyCh^tnsl^-i«,l0pexkeW
^^ncI-c^Wo-doeWtop-ie^io-ngrtJrtt!
lOMDoa
Mkroswitrh Turbo Joystick
Deluxe Paint ll/Photon Point II oi Elf or Pumw
Moose mat
TOTAL VALUE
14.99
19.99
19.99
6.99
9.99
89.99
4.99
714.87
AMOS
PROGRAMMER'S PACK
(1MB BtCQ.)
VAL UE/RRP
EASY AMOS - complete, simplest possible, fun-to- use beginners
programming course learn to write professional looking
anode gomes, educational, eic software in weeks, not yean.
Complete with gropreo. sound, animation ond more
Upp/odecble to Amos M.99
Cartoon Classics Games. OR
lemmings Elf
(oploin Planet Puzzmlc
The Simpsons Digito Home Accounts
50 Programme Hobbyle P0 Greats Pock
70 Blank Discs * 80 Capacity lockobleOrsc Boi
Mouse Mat * Dust Cover
Get the Most out of Your A/moo beak
Microswitch Turbo Joystick
TOTAL VALUE
WITH AMIGA/CDTV 49.99
SJPARATUY 69.99
ACCESSORIES
Urtz vine protector * backup donee for ony external drive 73.99
AS70 MwWotor 26.99
AS00 Deluxe control centre 44.99
Competition Pro Joystick 11.95
CDTV Keyboard 44.95
FLOPPY DRIVES
Zydec 3.S external drive, darswhowi . on/off 48.95
Cumono CAX 354 3. S external or.ve. booe 52.99
CDTV externol 3 5 drive, block, 59.99
PC B80B with anti ckk • llitz back up and nms prelector 67.95
PC 88GB as above Cyclone compatible 78.99
PI BBOB with Blitz * I Copy 98.99
Dual drive as PC 880B 115.95
MONTTORS/TVS/ACGESSORIES
UMloeKDlmemier tlea* 216.99
PUps 8133 MK II monitor and leads 216.99
CWlWr^rnor^.Mw^hWrWk 549.99
T* . wivtl stood for PMio-, BB33 12.99
Philips 7CM3279 Hires SVGA 78dp for 3000 at nil & swivel 259.99
75.99
75.99
24.99
39.99
33.97
9.98
9.95
9.99
215.84
WITH AMIGA/CDTV 59.99
SEPARATELY 79.99
As above, but with:
• Amos the Creator instead of Easy Amos
WITH AMIGA/CDTV 69.99
SEPARATELY 89.99
NOTE: f or boa above parts, e second floppy or had en vt undo
printer f« fating ore rocoexnwnoo d , but not essential
SCANNERS
Hoksno 400 dp. 32 greyscoie . Oatavon softwori 87.99
Power Hand Sconner. 400 dpi, 64 greyscoie Powencon software 97.99
Power Colour hand Scanner
735.95
Sharp JX100 A6 Sconner - wonlab software, supports
4096 (oh. up to 18 bit
595.95
Shorp JX 300 A4 Scanner * vV up to 74 bit
POA
EXPANSION
A5W517K8AMexp + dcck 21.99 CSMASQlexp
39.99
iMle.pfo.A600. POA AS00 + ! MB upe/ode
43.99
1.5MliipforA50Q 74. 99 KS 1.3 ROM Sharer 47.99
GVPAJOOouei-see Hard Drives
1 .3 TO PLUS UPGRADE
Chip fitting ond board upgrade available, by
our Quejmed engineers or DIY kit POA
A. above, pli* fluke. Km for Al S00/7000
NARD DRIVES
A500GVPS30 52MBHD.o80301MBexp to 8MB 694.99
ASQO GVP S20 170 MB HD .68030 1MB up io 8MB 844.9 5
ASM GYP 530 740 MB HD -68030 lM8ixp to 8MB 1058.95
A590 TtlMB HD 769.99
ASO0 GYP! I 57MB HD. up lo 8MB 339.99
A500 GVPH 1 20MB HD, exp to 8MB 468.99
Al S0U/7UQQ GVP II controller, exp to 8MB, Quantum S7MB HD 264.99
Al SOU/7000 GVP II torn , up to 8 MB ♦ Quantum 1 70 MB HD 406.99
Per extra 2MB fined lo above 62.99
EMULATION
KCS Powerboard 181.99 AT Bndgeboord fori 500 379.99
369.99 GVP 78* tmulotor 277.99 386 SX 8 board for 1 S00 429.99
AT Once 178.99 GVP 40/4 for 1 500 945.99
DISCS
SOTWARE
10BlonkDS/DD*sainbo« 6.99 Comts hJforbt neOM3.50
SO Blorrk DS/DD Asa 17.99 ABbirtfgomes 30% Of f
SO Honk DS/HD discs 77.99 AJ serious fines 25% Off
TRAMPY'S OR
THOMAS'S PACK
2-9 YEARS
AI LEAST 5/ cDUCATIONAL/fUH FILLED GAMES!
MAX VALUE /RRP
• The Shoe People • 6 colourful ond em^rtonir* pom* 79.99
feoVing Trompy and fnen* la encourage ecrty number
teoalna and pre-reoamg skis With Shoe People musx
OR Thomas the Tank Engine's Fun with Words - 6 separate easy
lo use learning programmes with ortimation ond sound.
• Shapes and Colours - Bobby the Clown entertains ond
lays down the foundation for maths and writing in 6
coWM ownoted gomes 9.99
• FunSchool7.3cw4-la^SchoorviSebovewon
rust obovt every oword gang S or 6 wonderful
on-noted pomes. 24.99
OR Picture Book: 4 colourful ond omusing gomes from
ex fun School' design manager will delight young children.
• Deluxe Point ll/Photon Paint II or Elf or Puunic 89.99
• Hobbyle Infant Eoucottonol P0 Pock, containing 10 19.99
fun while you learn pomes
• Hobbyle 30 Easy ChiWs Games Pock 19.99
• 10 WankDrsG, One Box. Joyshck. Mouse Mot 26.96
TOTAL VALUE 771.90
WITH AMIGA/CDTV 49.99
SEPARATELY 69.99
SPECIAL: With Cartoon Casslci Games ond Dpolnt III *
animation instead of Dpcn'nl ll/Photon Point II (1MB req.)
VALUE 80.00
ADD 14.99
ARTISTS PACK
VALUE/RRP
• Deluxe Point III with animation (upprodeable lo DP IV} 79.99
• Power 400dpi scanner with Powerscon pfofessionol s/w 99.99
• 1 arte Hoeoyle PO Graphw Pock inc. clip art* utilities 39.99
• Caricon Gossks Games OR
Urmmnp EH 25.99
Coptom nonet tai I 25.99
Ihe Simpsons Digito Home Accounts 24.99
• 50 Piogromme Hobbyle PD Greols Pock 39.99
• 20 Blank Discs + 80 Capocrty LocfcobJeDiK Sox 33.97
• Mouse Mat • Dust Cover 9.98
• Gel the Most out of Your Amiga' book 9.95
• Mxroswitch Turbo Joystick 9.99
TOTAL VALUE 400.82
WITH AMIGA/CDTV 139,99
SEPARATELY 169.99
DTP PACK
All AS ARTIST'S PACK
PLUS: PAGESETTER II
TOTAL VALUE
WITH AMIGA/CDTV
SEPARATELY
OR: PRO PAGE 3
TOTAL VALUE
WITH AMIGA/CDTV
SEPARATELY
400.82
99.99
499.81
189.99
219.99
269.99
670.81
239.99
279.99
PRINTERS
MM
Crtiwn 170*0 112.95
StarlC?0 174.95
Star LC700 col 172 95
GiiienSwift? .178.95
StorlC 24-70 178.95
Sear LC 74-200 716.95
Star LC 24 200 col 256 95
Citizen 174D 176.95
Omen 224 211.95
WITH
STATU
PACK
MOW
Ciiiren?24*col' 736.95
Ciliren Swift 24e 246.95
Omen Swift 74s col' .266.95
Star XB 24/200' 376.95
Star XB 24/250 456.95
HPDeskfet 346.95
HP Deskjet col 576 95
HPPomftet 526 95
BJlOeBubbM port.. 226.95
WITH
STATU
wot
Ui
STARTER PACK: 500 Sheets A4 or continuous paper, Amiga to
printer lead I Umversol Printer Stand • with new driver
\
ORDERING:
TELESALES NO: (0727) 56005
Sex! dov awWtrv for oedrt card oroms pteced berce 4 30pm y*wxt to avoilobiUv
Mtemrjllvery send cheque, postal order, bonkers draft or omdol order (PlCs. Education
ond Government bodies only) to. Oept AS, Hobbyle Computet Centre, 1 Market
Place. St Aborts. Herts AL3 506. fast db« 7 todays tor cfaequeaaircnte Submt
<oovaea4ry.eespolvisK)rrrarV wl#in?4rw^otrece^cifdearedrwnefti Pnes
oe cenod ot one of gong to press, howevv. we m sonata farud to ctam
packajH aay be cawed n ou stirMroorm. and pncesmoyaryftomaalMpnns
rasend coin ere asked a arte as od to ensuaftaiejoapa^aaoaporl
OLD AMIGA TRADE-
The best trodem oBowwau, eitte for i
naessones. T'ode in your old mochme for o brand new A600/
Al 500/2000/3000, CDTV or even a ft
NO DEPOSIT CREDIT FACILITIES
Uf^*.rr.aiMB%^|..*ek),mkn.»^laiu.'fB^OTT.
{ISO MjhnxmuwnA Ciiip U li i wevii srjgam ere oho evengpe m
r*uyrwA* inuVeSaisewliie^sendettneisrnps Jusl leapwo n i ear
wn«eneete*oridepekohonloitn
DELIVERY CHARGES:
Small (onsumobles S
softwaie items
Mn laa^CRIpl Befl
mm ond H^Nonos
UK MAINLAND (NOT HIGHLANDS)
Despatched by post, please check
(haiaes when ordering
Next day courier service, SI0 per box
ferarieMplustfO + Wpabai
M AO0IIION Wf Of FEB THE FOLLOWING EXPtESS SEWKIS.
Scrtrtoy oetvenes Normol roa pkr. i I S . VAT perboi
/om to 9om next oay Ktormol rote put £10 ♦ VAT per box
Am next day Normal rote plus £5 - VAT p« box
'
a
N
7\
IS
)
'A
LLJ
St
i
UJ
III
• PHILIPS APPOINTED DEALER
31
Amiffl prices, except where steied ere inc VAl I LO I
EALER • CITIZEN DEALER PLUS •
Did you know that you could do this ?
Load "AMOS_Data: Samples/Samples. abk"
Sam Loop On : Samplay 3,14,10000
While Mouse key=0
S=X9creen(Xmouse)+40
Doke $DFF0A6,X : Doke $DFF0B6,X
Wend
If not, join the Official AMOS Club, and End out how
you can create your own extensions, including
commands like SAM SPEED, CASE, SHUFFLE etc
The AMOS Club is the place where CTEXT, the
Colour Text extension was developed and is the only
place where you can get the new CTEXT V2.0 !
TTie AMOS Club is the only support group with a
telephone helpline and access to all the latest
AMOS data. Membership also entitles you to
discounts on AMOS Club software, such as
AMOS TOME, CTEXT and Sprite X.
Membership costs £12 (£15 Overseas) for the current
subscription, and is available from:
The AMOS Club, 1 Lower Moor, Whiddon Valley,
Barnstaple, N.Devon. EX32 8NW.
Overseas Customers Please Note: We can only accept cheques or
Eurocheques drawn in Pounds Sterling on a U.K. Bank .
22***i^ • SECTOR SOFTWARE • SECTORSOrTH^
TOUCH TYPIST £14
Touch Typist is a very fast fully featured typing tutor for any Amiga, this program
contains more features than wc cwuid Iim in Uic whole advert. Demo mode, Lesson
editor, various graph options. 402 lessons supplied, high quality graphics, easy lo
use. printout of a Certificate or Diploma as proof of your ability Suitable for
beginners or advanced typists (See review in last months Amiga Shopper page 37)
Touch Typist Is almost over qualified. Tremendous value for
money, A fine piece of software. To improve your Typing skills
look no further than Touch Typist.
Amiga Shopper July 1992.
STD INDEX X\ t
STD Index is Produced under licence to British Telecom and is a very fast alternative
to using Directory Enquiries to obtain dialling code information, the datafile contains
over 6500 UK dialling codes and over 2000 worldwide entries. Now you can check the
location of phone numbers used in adverts or the phone numbers on your itemised
phone bill. Save &&£ compared with using directory enquires or nnging numbers in
the Outer Hebndes thinking they are round the corner.
A fast and functional product, STD Index could save you
hundreds of pounds.
CV Amiga (>ct€>ber 1 99 1
AMIGA SHOPPER INDEX £ 1 2
Lost that article < >r letter in your Amiga Shopper magazine? Look no further. Amiga
Shopper Index will provide answers in an instant, over 1 100 reviews, articles, letters
news items are all cross referenced in a self loading database program Now you
can turn your pile of magazines into a complete reference work. Regular updates
available. Shows title, summary of content, author, issue no, date, and page
number. The speed of Shopper index has to be seen to be believed.
AMIGA TO Z88 LINK £2$
Use the Cambridge Z88 portable computer as a portable Amiga terminal. Write
letters or programs on the move and use Amiga - Z88 link to transfer the data to
and from your Amiga, price includes software and cable
AMIGA TO TANDY WP2 LINK £25
Similar to the Amiga-Z8H Link but will converse with the Tandy WP2 portable
wordprocessor for wordpnxessing on the move.
WORDSMITH £14
Crossword fanatics, puzzle enthusiasts and word freaks can use Wordsmilh as an aid
to solving anagrams, crosswords, and wordpuzzles Fast output to screen or printer.
Ideal tool for children to explore words, eg. finding rhyming words ett
Send for our catalogue of these and other programs written by Sector Software.
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AMOS
Hver the past few months
we've covered some
pretty heavy subjects, so
I thought It would be
nice to take a break from our game
and look at another routine that Is
equally Important for games - the
high score table. How you
Incorporate this routine Is up to you,
but the theory behind the high score
table Is pretty much the same.
HIGH SCORE TABLES
If you started working for a software
house as a trainee programmer, you
would probably start your
apprenticeship writing routines of
this kind so it's worth knowing how a
good high score routine works.
At its simplest level, the high
score table is held internally as two
dimensional arrays - one for the
score and another for the players'
names. At the end of each game, the
high score routine checks to see if
the player has scored enough to be
entered into the score table. If so,
the player's position is inserted with
all scores below the player's score
shifted down by one position. This
will mean that one score drops off
the bottom of the table, but then
that's how a high score table works.
Anyway, enough of the waffle - let's
take a look at the high score routine.
'*** High Score Routine vO.l
'*** By Jason Holborn
SETUPTABLE:
Dim J
SCORETTABLES < 5 ) , SCORETABLE ( 5 )
For C=0 To 4
SCORETADI-E? {C) -**J
SCORETABLE(C)=5000-(C*1000)
Next C
*
MAIN:
DO
For C-0 To 4
Print -J
SCORETABLF.S ( C ) ? SCORE7TABLE ( C )
Next C
Input "Enter Score: ".-SCORE
If SCORE>SCORETABLE ( 4 ) J
Then Gocub HISCOR£
Loop
*
M1SCOKK:
input "congratulations! J
Enter Name: *;NAIMS
For C=4 To Step -1
If SCORE>SCORETABLE(C) J
5999
4999
3999
2888
1888
liter Score: 4589
ongratulations? Enter Nane: Jason
Jason H
5888
4588
4999
3999
2098
nter Score : 5700
ongi'atulationsf Enter Nane ! Andy S
ndy S
Jason H
5709
4588
4899
3898
Enter Score: _
Here's our very basic high score table routine In action. Obviously It needs to be
tidied up In a big way if you Intend to use It within your own games, but the
bones of the routine are all there
Then POSITION=C
Next C
For C=3 To POSITION Step -1
SCORETABLE$(Oi)= J
SCORETABLE$ (C>
SCORETABLE < C + 1 ) =SCORETABLE ( C )
Next C
SCORETABLES ( POSITION) =NAIM$
SCORETABLE ( POSITION) =SCORE
Return
As you can see from the code, the
procedure which handles the high
score array is simple. Before entering
the routine, the main program
checks to see if the players score is
higher than the lowest score in the
score table.
Technically the score should be
registered if it is equal to the lowest
score, but there's just no room in the
table to hold the new score.
Presidence should be given to the
first player to achieve that score. If
you run the program above (I've
added a few extra lines to make it
run as a stand-alone program), you'll
notice that when identical scores are
entered, new scores are added
beneath previous ones. This way you
know who achieved the score first.
Once the score has been
checked, the program jumps to the
HlSCORE routine which does all the
hard work. First of all the program
asks for the player's name. In the
routine above this is very basic
indeed. If you feel adventurous, a
much better bet is to write a routine
which enables the player to enter his
or her name using the joystick. This
way. the player will never have to
touch the Amiga keyboard.
ALL FALLING INTO PLACE
The next part of the HiScore routine
attempts to find the position within
the high score table where the
player's score should be placed. This
is achieved simply by comparing the
player's score with the scores
already held in the high score table,
starting from the lowest upwards.
Once the position is found, it is held
in the variable POSITION.
Now that we know where the
score should be inserted, all scores
below the player's score are shifted
down by one position discarding the
last score in the table. Once this is
done, the player's name and score
are inserted in the table and the new
table is displayed.
SCORES ON THE BOARD
This high score table is by no means
perfect, but it does the job. At the
moment it will only hold five scores,
but it's very easy to change this to
make the table handle more scores
simply by changing the size of the
dimension and by altering the loop
ranges within the HiScore routine.
Play around with it and why not have
a go at writing a better routine
yourself. Q)
coatinwd from pp 98
3D PROBLEMS
Why Is It that I never seem to
read a single word of criticism
concerning AMOS In the AMOS
section of Amiga Shopper?
Although I would agree that
BASIC Itself Is very good, I have
been having serious grief with
AMOS 3D since I upgraded to
AmigaDOS 2.04. Although It runs
fine under 1.3 (I've got a ROM
sharer), the AMOS 3D Object
Editor OM doesn't run at all under
2.04. What's more, It refuses to
run from a Workbench Icon under
both 2.04 and 1.3. I've written to
Commodore and Europress
Software but neither of these
seem to understand what Is going
wrong.
Alan M Grahame
Ampthlll. Beds
I must admit that I'm just as I
confused as Commodore and
Europress. I've got a 2.04-based |
B2000 and OM certainly runs fine
on that. I've had many letters from
AMOS 3D users who own 2.04-
based machines and they don't
seem to have encountered this
problem either.
Presuming that you're booting
from your AmDrlve, it might be
worth checking that your Startup-
sequence Isn't launching
something weird which OM
doesn't like - try breaking out of
the startup-sequence as soon as
the hard drive starts to boot and
run OM from AmigaDOS. If it still
doesn't work under 2.04. then I
don't know what to suggest. Can
anyone who has encountered this
problem help?
NCOMMAND
PERFORMANCE
! Could you please tell me where I
can buy the NCommand
procedures disk for AMOS?
Ben Merrlfleld
Barry
South Glamorgan
The address and telephone
number for Oasis software was
actually printed in the last issue
but for those of you that missed it,
NCommand and the new
NCommand Extras disk are both
available from Oasis Software at
392 Birch Road. Wardle. Rochdale
in Lancashire. Failing that, you can
talk to them directly on 0706
376572.
If you've got a problem with
AMOS, send It to AMOS
ANSWERS, Amiga Shopper,
Future Publishing Ltd, 30
Monmouth St, BATH BA1 2BW.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 1 A • AllftllST TOO?
AMOS
A fractal plotting procedure Is Just one ot the utilities Europress Is after
your
procedures
published!
Europress, in
conjunction
with Amiga
Shopper/ wants
your coding
gems for
inclusion with
the forthcoming
Amos ^^
Professional
uropress. the maker of
Amos, is currently
developing 4mos
Professional, one of this
package's strengths will be the
inclusion of folders crammed full of
useful procedures that can be used
to construct programs.
Europress plans to provide as
many procedures as possible, but is
sure the AMOS users that read the
AMOS Action column In Amiga
Shopper will hove written plenty of
great procedures that would benefit
their fellow users.
Consequently, if you have any
procedure routines then this is your
chance to share them world-wide.
Europress wants to include your
routines on the actual Amos
Professional masters. You'll get your
name in the package credits, and will
receive a free copy of the completed
package with a personal message
from AMOS author Frangois Lionet
thanking you for your contribution.
In an effort to standardise the
procedures to aid their
understanding by users, please
follow the guidelines listed below:
NAMING PROCEDURES
When naming procedures start them
with an underscore character (■_•).
This will ensure that the name does
not collide with any new instructions
that are added to Amos Professional
or extensions. It also allows the use
of reserved keywords within the
name:
Procedure _MYPROC
Procedure _PRINTBIG
If you write more than one
procedure to perform a task then
start the whole set of them with the
same name. A set of scroll
procedures might be called:
SCROLL_INIT
_SCROLL_WORK
_SCROLL^END
VARIABLES
Use as few global variables as
possible. Keep necessary variables
hidden within the procedures. Other
than arrays, don't make the user
have to declare variables at the start
of a program.
The variables within a procedure
should start with an abbreviation of
the procedure's name. The scrolling
demo might have the following
vanabies:
_9CRX (scroll X position)
_scry (scroll Y position)
Use the SHARED instruction to
pass parameters between
procedures:
procedure _scroll_init[x,Y]
Shared _SOOC, SCRY
_SCRX=X; SCRY=Y
End Proc
Procedure _SCROLL_WORK
Shared _SCRX, _SCRY
Print ^SCRX, SCRY
End Proc
ORGANISING
If you need to set up conditions
before the procedures are used then
have an initialisation procedure.
There should be only one INIT
procedure, which initialises all of its
parameters:
Procedure _NaME_INIT[List J
of Init params]
When all is complete and you're
ready to quit the use of your
procedures, or even the program,
then It may sometimes be necessary
to provide an END of procedure
routine:
Procedure NAME_END
This procedure should also work If
the initialisation routine failed. The
INIT procedure should set a flag that
says "OK, I'm initialised".
SYSTEM DEFAULTS
Don't assume a set screen type has
been set up ready for your
procedures' outputs. Set the screen
format outside of the procedure so
that other users can see what the
routine needs:
Screen Open 0,640, 200, J
16, Hires
Proc OET_ FONT I "Times", "24" J
If your routine requires the use of
Bobs/Music/Sample Banks, then
state what size they are and how
many there are.
READABILITY
Ensure you comment your listings as
clearly as possible. It's important to
explain every aspect of a routine so
that users can adapt them to their
specialist needs. Also - keep the
spelling clean!
DESTRUCTIBILITY
Bug test it with as many inputs as
possible. If your routine is not stable
it is of no use to anyone.
Trap all errors and return error
codes if applicable.
Don't let your procedure interfere
with the user's programs.
PROCEDURE STRUCTURE
Procedure NAME[X,Y,Z]
'Inputs: X...
Y...
' Z...
i
'Output: Par am
' Param#
' ParamS
'Global variables used
'(try avoid using these)
'GL1, GL2, GL3...
'Shared variables used
End Proc
WHAT WE'RE AFTER
We already have the following
procedures: Disk track read/write.
Format disk. Expression parser.
Scrolling routine, Date. Time.
We'd particularly like to see
procedures to do the following:
Chess algorithm. Screen saver.
Rapid fire, Fancy screen wipes.
Plasma FX. Radar. Magnify, Fractals.
FINAL NOTES
Send your procedures on disk, along
with explanatory text both printed out
and in ASCII on the disk. Include an
SAE if you want your disk returning.
Include an example program which
uses your routine. You may include
as many procedures as you wish on
each disk so long as they are all
properly documented. They will be
judged by the AMOS team. Send your
entries by the end of July to:
101 Procedures Compo
Europress Software
Europa House
Addlmgton Park
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK10 4NP
Get those procedures rolling! ©
1 f\M AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
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PROGRAMMING
Cliff Ramshaw
continues his
programming
tutorial for
beginners. This
month - how
the computer
chooses a move
in a game
noughts and
crosse
It's all very well getting the
computer to display a noughts
and crosses board and accept
moves from a player, but the
really clever bit Is In getting It to
make rts own moves.
There are at least a couple of
ways this could be done. You might,
for Instance, write a program that
tried to play as much like a human
as possible. Its starting move would
be to take a corner position or the
centre. Then it would start looking
along each of the possible lines
with which It could win - eight In
all. If It saw two noughts together
and a gap, It would place a nought
there. Otherwise, If It saw two
crosses together It would place a
nought In the gap to prevent the
player from winning. If there were
no pairs, perhaps It would try
placing a nought In one of the
remaining comers.
As you can see. there are many
possibilities. Playing noughts and
crosses isn't as simple as it at first
seems. The problem with writing a
program to play in the above way is
that it will consist of little more than
a huge list of If statements, tt would
be nice if there were a strategy which
would work out the best possible
move from any board position. And
indeed there is such a strategy.
It's similar to the one used by
chess programs, although a tittle
simpler. It does not work in the same
way that a human plays the game.
Instead, it looks at every possible
move, and decides which is the best
by looking to the end of the game to
see which is the winning move.
ON THE MOVE
There are two main parts needed to
do this (see the box-out on
procedures in this and last month's
issue). The simple part, which later
forms the base case for the
recursion used to choose the
computer's move, looks at a given
board position and decides whether
or not the game is over. There are a
number of ways in which this may
happen, and for simplicity's sake
they are each separated into
different procedures.
The controlling one, GAMEOVER.
returns a result of True (this is an
AMOS reserved variable with a value
of -1). This result can be read by the
program that called GAMEOVER by
looking at the value of Param.
GAMEOVER itself looks like this:
Procedure GAMEOVER
Shared BOARD < ), NOUGHT, CROSS
RESTJLT-Fftlse
If ParamaTrue
RESULT=True
WON [NOUGHT]
If Param=True Then J
RESULTsTrue
WON [CROSS]
If Param^True Then J
RESULT=True
End Proc [RESULT]
Notice that the procedure must have
access to the game board, and the
values for noughts and crosses, so
the corresponding variables must be
shared. RESULT is a variable used to
hold the result of the GAMEOVER
procedure before it is returned.
Two further procedures are called
by GAMEOVER. The first is FULL,
which returns a value of True in
Param if the game board is full. If
this is the case, then the game must
be over and RESULT can be set to
True. The second procedure is WON.
This takes a single parameter: the
type of piece in which we are
interested. If it is passed NOUGHT
and the game has been won by the
noughts, then it will return True,
False otherwise. Similarly, if it is
passed CROSS as a parameter and
the game has been won by the
crosses, then it will return True,
False otherwise.
Here is the FULL procedure:
Procedure FULL
Shared BOARD ( ) , EMPTY
RESULT-True
Por X-l To 3
For Y=l To 3
If BOARD(X,Y)
Procedures have more up their sleeves than I let
on last month.
You may remember the mention of local
variables, shared variables and parameters. Let's
recap: a local variable is one that is only used
inside a procedure. After the procedure has
finished, the value held in the local variable will be
forgotten. No modifications made to it within the
procedure con hove any effect on the parts of the
program external to the procedure. A local variable
may have the same name as a variable external to
the procedure, but they will be unconnected.
Altorinfc ono will not alter the other. AH variables
used in a procedure are local unless declared by
the programmer to bo otherwise.
Shared variables are the exception. If a variable
within a procedure is declared as shared, then it is
exactly the same as the variable external to the
procedure with the same name. Any modifications
to one will alter the value of the other, in the
noughts and crosses example, the board array Is
declared as shared for all of the procedures, since
clearly each procedure needs to be working with the
same game board.
Parameters are variables 'passed' to a
procedure by the external program. In AMOS they
are enclosed in square brackets after the
procedure name, both in its definition and
whenever It is called. The variables in the call -
those passed to the procedure - need not have the
same names as those inside the procedure
definition. The parameters within the procedure act
like local variables. Modifying them will not alter the
external variables which were passed to the
procedure at the call. The difference is that their
values are initially set to those of the external
variables used in the call whenever the procedure
is called.
The best way to learn about the different types
of variables available to procedures is to
experiment. Write a few procedures - try a few
experiments with variable values and include a few
print statements so you can see what is going on.
You'll soon get the hang of it.
There's a further kind of variable usable by
procedures - a result or return value. Supposing
you wanted to write a procedure which multiplied
three numbers. These could be passed as three
parameters to the procedure. But if the vanable
holding the result of the calculation is local to the
procedure, how can the external program ever know
what the result is? One answer is to share the
result variable between the procedure and the rest
of the program. Another, more elegant solution, Is
to return the result to the main program. A
procedure can only return one value: it Is done In
AMOS by placing the variable to be returned in
square brackets following the End Proc statement.
The value can then be accessed by the main
program via a special variable called Param - this
always holds the result returned from the last
procedure called. Type in this short example to get
a feel for It:
A.1
C=3
MOLT[A,B,C]
Print "Answers"; Param
AV7
C=12
MtfLT[A,B,C]
Print "Answer-" ; Param
Stop
Procedure [X,Y,Z]
RESOLT-X*Y*Z
Bad Proc (RESULT]
108
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
PROGRAMMING
Then RESULT*FalBe
Next Y
Next X
End Proc [RESULT]
FULL assumes that the board is
already full, and so sets RESULT to
True. It then searches through each
of the positions in turn. As soon as it
finds a blank one (a position whose
value is equal to EMPTY) it sets
RESULT to False, since the board is
clearty not false. Once each position
has been checked, FULL ends,
returning the value held in RESULT.
The procedure WON looks as
follows:
Procedure WON [TURN]
Snared BOARD ()
RESULT=False
HORIZLIHE[TURN]
If Param=True Then J
RESULT-Trua
VERTLINE [TURN]
If Param-True Then J
RESULT-True
DIAOLINE [TURN]
If Par am= True Then J
RESULT-True
End Proc [RESULT]
As you can see, WON does little
more than rely on another set of
procedures: HORIZLINE. VERTLINE
and DIAGLINE. Like WON. these are
passed a type of piece as a
parameter, and then go on to decide
whether this particular piece has won
the game.
HORIZLINE decides whether or
not the piece whose value is held in
TURN has won by making a
horizontal line of three. It does this
as follows:
Procedure HORIZLINE [TURN]
Shared BOARD ()
RESULT= Pal Be
If ((BOARD( 1,1) -TURN and J
BOARD (2,1) -TURN and J
BOARD(3,l)=TURN) .1
or(BOARD(l,2)=TURN and J
BOARD ( 2 , 2 > =TURN and J
BOARD(3,2)-TURN) J
or(BOARD(l,3)=TURN and J
DQARD ( 2 , 3 ) -TURN and J
BOARD(3,3)-TURN) ) Then J
RESULT-True
End Proc [RESULT]
That's fairly straightforward, as is the
procedure to see whether the piece
in TURN has won on a vertical line:
Procedure VERTLINE [TURN]
Snafod DOARDO
RESULT- Pal ae
I£<(B0ARD(1,1)«TORN and J
BOARD U , 2 ) =TURN and J
BOARD* 1.3) -TURN) J
or<BOARD(2, U-turn and J
BGARD(2,2)=TURN and J
BOARD(2,3)=TURN) J
or (BOARD (3,1) -TURN and J
BOARD(3,2)=TURN and J
BOARD (3, 3) «TURN)) Then J
RESULT-Tum
End Proc [RESULT]
Similarly, the procedure to check for
wins along a diagonal looks like this:
Procedure DIAGLINE [TURN]
Shared BOARD ()
RESULT- False
If ((BOARD (1,1) =TURN and J
BOARD(2,2)=TURN and J
BOARD(3,3)=TURN) J
or (BOARD (3,1) -TURN and J
BOARD(2,2)-TURN and J
BOARD (1,3) -TURN)) Then J
RESULT-True
End Proc [RESULT]
The three procedures above could all
have been incorporated into the WON
procedure, but that would have made
things messy. As it is, it's much
easier to see what's going on by
splitting different parts of the
program up into different sections.
The prcoedure which makes use
of all of the above is known as a
'static evaluator*. It looks at the
board from a particular player's point
of view and returns a value of +1 if
that player has won, -1 if the player
has lost, or if neither player has
won. The code for it is as follows:
Procedure STATIC [TURN]
Shared BOARD ()
WON [TURN]
If Param-True
RESULT. 1
Else
WON [-TURN]
If Param-True
RESULT. -1
Else
RESULT=0
End If
End If
End Proc [RESULT]
STATIC returns a result depending on
the type of piece passed to It In the
parameter TURN. It first calls WON to
see if TURN has won, and if so it
sets RESULT to 1. If not. it calls
WON with the negative of TURN -
that Is the opponent of the player in
question - and if this player has won
then RESULT is set to -1. Otherwise
RESULT is set toO.
All of the above forms the base
case of the recursion necessary to
generate the computer's move. The
recursion steps through every
possible move that the computer and
the player can make. It only stops
when the game is over, which It can
discover by calling GAMEOVER.
Next month I'll go into the
recursive part of the move generator.
It's a little complicated, so have a
look at the box to the right to
acquaint yourself with the basic
ideas. ^3
Recursion Is one of the most powerful of programming techniques.
Initially it can be a little difficult to follow, but once mastered it proves
Its worth.
Something that is recursive includes itself as part of its definition. In
computer programs, it is usually procedures which are recursive. The
procedure definition will include a procedure call to itself. Look at the
following:
Procedure FACTORIAL [N]
FACTORIAL (N-l]
N-N* Param
End Proc[N]
It computes the factorial of a number. The factorial of a number N is
obtained by multiplying all the numbers between 1 and N. In the example,
this Is done by multiplying N by the factorial of N-l, which achieves the
same result. One slight problem with the above - it never stops. The
procedure is infinitely recursive.
Because factorials only work for numbers of one or greater, there is
no need to continue the recursion once the value of N Is 1 or less. The
procedure can be modified to:
Procedure FACTORIAL [N]
If N>1
FACTORIAL [N-l J
N.N* Param
End If
find Proc[N]
This checking for the value of N is looking for 'the base case'. If the base
case holds (in this example, that N is 1), then no further recursion occurs,
and an answer can be given immediately. If the base case is not satisfied,
further recursion is called for.
Imagine the procedure Factorial called with a parameter of 3. The If
statement will be true, since 3 is greater than 1, so Factorial will be called
again with a parameter of 2. Again, the If statement will be true, so
Factorial will be called with a value of 1.
Now the If statement is false, so the procedure ends. The value it
returns is N, which at the moment is equal to 1. After the end of the
procedure, control returns to the statement after the previous call to
Factorial. The special variable Param has a value of 1, given by the result
of the last call. This is multiplied by N, and the result assigned to N. In
this case, N has a value of 2 (remember that N, being a local variable, has
a different value in this Invocation of the procedure from those Ns used in
other calls of the same procedure), and the result Is 2.
This result is then returned at the end of the procedure. Control again
passes to the statement following the call to Factorial. Now Param has a
value of 2. It is multiplied by N, which equals 3 in this particular call to the
procedure (this is the value with which the procedure was originally
calted). The result, 6, is then returned by the procedure.
Control then passes to the main program, since the recursion has
ceased.
The main program would look something like:
FACTORIAL [3 J
Print Param
Stop
You can see that a recursive procedure consists of two parts: a base
case, which yields a definite result: and a recursive, general case, which
can only yield a result dependent on further calls to the procedure. Bear In
mind that any local variables in the procedure (including the procedure's
parameters) will have different values in each recursive call to the
procedure, even though they share the same names.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
109
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P Higgms * 0424 892269. The Old Chapel.
Church Rd. Catsfietd Battle. Sussex TN33 90P
112
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
AMIGA PERIPHERALS
GREAT
VALLEY
PRODUCTS
QUALITY AMIGA PERIPHERALS
WTTH A 2 YEAR WARRANTY
Silica Systems are pleased to present the
GVP range of peripherals. GVP are the world's
largest third parry manufacturer of peripherals
tor the Amiga range and have a reputation for
high specification, quality products The
company was founded onty four years ago by
a man who knows about the Amiga.
Commodore's ex-Vice President of Technology
he. along with a team of Amiga experts
mckrtng otier ex-Commodore staff, understand
the add-on requirements of Amiga owners
octtor than anyone. Not onry do GVP provide
penpnerafs that Amiga owners want, they also
offer peace of mind with a 2 year warranty on
the products they manufacture So, H you are
looking tor the very beet m peripherals tor your
Amiga computer, look no further than GVP
HARD DRIVE
HUtOMI
ftttl Will
T*MVtaMT1#TDZ W4
ACCELERATOR
PC EMULATOR
PLUG-IN OPTION FOR HD8*
& A530
Cfc^l
Jf*&:*«
• 10MHz 80286 processor
• 287 Maihs Co-Processor socket
• 51 2K of PC RAM plus Ihe use of Amiga RAM
• Supports Hercules. CGA. EGA/VGA
(monochrome) and T3100 video modes
• Runs MS-DOS (3 2 and upwards) plus
thousands of other PC programs
This powerful 286 emulator module simply plugs into
the "mmi-sloT of the GVP HD8+ or A530 (without
invalidating the warranty). It has full access to the
Amiga's resources and allows
you to run PC and Amiga pro-
grams at the same time, giving
you two computers tn one
ccnj
OrnOUi mm? wnt> to mociuo"
»T 12 1
nirw Mfwn m mr ucurun ana
H*r moi mji «■ w mnaareunaL
RAM BOARD
U»TOIM0M0fltlrt'4JTrUli
•
TQIftOf IlMMIMfTMIi
ntoww.no
•
OTHER FEATURES
«0.'ICMLCTIirwcuTWf SWITCH FW
KHTSGAKICOMMTWiin
KtlCOKTHOHlHFOflurrOfl
Aoomow DITCH
mi custom or
KUtTftOMUIlOfflVfll
OlfflUL COLOUR! iniWi TO THE UN
ftWLt IN rtfTILATtWi f Aft TO PftMIIT
IHI IWITfMNOUflHEATK
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j-fUHftMtth'' | •
GVP s HD8* hard drive and A530 hard drive with 40MHz accelerator
represont the highest quality Amiga 500 peripherals at very affordable
prices Each incorporates a Quantum disk drive. RAM expansion
capability custom VLSI chip and FAAASTROM SCSI drive', lor >v-
unbeatable performance. *. vNi^O*
The HD8* hard drive offers up to 8Mb ot v\\ N
standard internal Fast RAM expansion S \\V
and the A530 Combo, up to 8Mb of 32- \V ^
bit wide fast RAM expansion Both
feature a SCSI controller, which
supports up to 6 additional devices.
and an Autoboot/Game cut-oft
switch. Both are available in 52. 120
and 240Mb hard dnve versions
in aod'tton. the A&30 Combo zooms
the Amiga forward with an 030
accelerator, running at a blistering
40MHz. This enables your Amiga 500 to
run at an mcredtte 12 1 MIPS, taster than
an Amiga 30001 No oiher product in the
world combines an the features found in the
A530 Combo! A plug-in PC emulator option.
shown below, s awia ata for both the HD8- and
A530 Combo
fHDS.lASttl
WHAT THE PRESS SAY:
"Superb build, excellent aesthetics and
blinding speed make this the best
A500 hard drive' _ amiqa Shorn*
'GVP claims this is the bstest hard drive
in the world and none of our tests could
prove that wrong'. auiga Show*
'Overall: Untouchable. THEchoice'
AMIGA SHOPf* ft
'Still the best hard drive' - 92%
AMIGA fMMAT
S^HARD DRIVES
& ACCELERATORS
PRICES FROM:
MODEL 52Mb HD
HARD DRIVE £379
*■ "A" OHI
120Mb HD
£499
Rav mar fltf ('
AS30 COMBO
£749 £869
240Mb HD
£779
£1149
FOR ALL AMIGAS
UIM:\
SOUND SAMPLER
m Plug* mto pArm**t port
• Are* wpol tor nxy mput
MDHMpol^fVViruiXlQKD IMOJQOO
aWM
■MiMtt
ACCELERATORS
• 6d03oeceeojoeceeo30 pnxmaor
• »'4050MH/c*X*
• 60682 KUth* co
• 3J4* SC& ammAw on toro
(Hi MOXWOMCC KMWI a* «Wf
4fM M SCS NftHot toartt EnMnaa*
riMKntfiafrawMiW
■rOM "iiwcii cW^
25hki/1m» a,«o«« £599
40MH ( /4Mb w_*s>oc £999
50Mru/4Mb v^iu C1399
HARD CARDS
• Ftfcftvy inifaiinfM Han? D^vm
• (>>4aMfatfemtrt*^jacMb
• 4* tc* to 6 5CS* aevjcw
c* ?» <** rmo 9*t* but to n» 1500 vd 2D0O
**d** *W C*| W »*» »n» tf n t«sMt
JTOMtMUWlfCncft^
52Mb at -ah^m £299
120Mb a^^a^ £449
240Mb * C699
420Mb •->-*• -^ £1299
VIDEO ENHANCER
HS4flGfl
• '68 * Sou ***
• Brvmdcaat quatfy oentoc*
• Mow irtf flG8 spCn^
t-pid V»or y « r» imc ;*«
'/ok aokkk I takM 'fi t*ct eott/i X
■awracra Ei**jna»w*» hr«
**m +** y*u>9 re
■» Crtgw>W2i X)
»or*«-e SoalV24 Mdnlflrig
U»o P»« 24-t* pw Mouat A'iOiMOO
wwaaakmaaiptt GvAto* cask
fV.«viusfiiTTBi .*«■». £169 9
W-24 rwnuBKawv. ,.£2099
RAM BOARDS
alJLf*
• Sc<ipcviai *ntfu»frv ftrcj/tf fl«i crip#
• O40TKWC ***** *Khj0*J
• Fu9y mukhcarmgunng
i SOD 9 MOO * 2» «Pt«m « ft Wb T><
pau S « Vv wwV^ W 4 M«M
mm pMct-oi-md M^tottc nftMrt Mb
C<FaVs*Cft«l490n*Q^Cr4^^
0Mb populate
2Mb populated
£169
REMOVABLE MEDIA
• S*3UMI 44 or MA* 'V«*a6M m*Jj
• GVPHC-aConfaMvqpaonaan
• £<lam>oaaa i iWOB tarAflOMOOO
EatfiAMGoawa*!
44Me to , (M v«» £449
44Mb,.- f * a..**. £549
88Mb — ^,*,-., C599
88Mb .-» ^ — - £699
ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT - DELIVERY IS FREE OF CHARGE IN THE UK MAINLAND
[ SILICA SYSTEMS OFFER YOU
• FREE OVERNIGHT DELIVERY: On all hardware orders shipped m ihe UK mainland
• TECHNICAL SUPPORT HELPLINE; Team o* lecrvwcai experts at your service
• PRICE MATCH: We normally match compeWors on a "Same product - Same price' basis
• ESTABLISHED 12 YEARS: Proven tradt record m professional compute' sales
• BUSINESS * EDUCATION * GOVERNMENT: Volume discounts available 061 -306 0888.
• SHOWROOMS' Demonstration and training facilities at our London & Sidcup branches
• THE FULL STOCK RANGE: AJ o* your requirements from one supplier
• FREE CATALOGUES: WIN be mailed to you with offers and software. penpherai derails
• PAYMENT: By cash, cheque and an major credit cards
Before you decide when to buy your new Amiga products, we suggest you think very carefully about
WHERE you buy them Consider what it will be like a few months after you have made your purchase,
when you may require additional peripherals and software, or help and advee And, will the company
you buy from contact you with details of new products 7 At Silica Systems, we ensure that you will have
nothing to worry about We have been established for over 12 years and, with our unrivalled expenence
and expertise we can now claim to meet our customers' requirements with an understanding which is
second to none But don't just take our word for it Complete and return the coupon now for our latest
FREE literature and begin lo expenence the "Silica Systems Service".
MAIL ORDER:
'■4 'rw
Ow UwS* 0OO*-eOfem
Hatheney Rd Sidcup Kent DAM
No Ufa MoM Oeararw
LONDON SHOP
Opainmg Hour*
f HNJ*f"l
4DX let M1-309 1111
Fa* so caixa ceo*
LONDON SHOP:
OpvnmQ noun
52 Tottenham Court Road. London. W1P OBA Tel: 071 MO
Mon-Sw »JOam-«Oapm No Um NM/* Opa^nQ Fti NO 0" »3 «*3
SIDCUP SHOP:
Optftftg Hour*
Setfrxtyes (Mifioao Oxford Sneer London WU TAB W: 071-ttl 1234
Til: 081 362 Mil
to Mi X* Of
M The Mews
MQn-S«t 900wn-5 30pf
Hattiertey Rd. Sidcup, Kent 0A14 4DX
Lift Mgtt Fndsy urt« ^pm F41
ITo
Silica Systems. AMSHP-0892-68, 1-4 The Mews. Halherley Rd. Sidcup. Kent, DAt4 40X
PLEASE SEND A BROCHURE ON THE GVP RANGE
7>
MfMrs'Mis&'Ms- initials Surname
MAIL ORDER HOTLINE
081-309 1111
SILICA
SYSTEMS
Address.
Tel (Home l
***** m»*« •«"*«< in 1
■
Postcode,
*****
Tel (Work)
■
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I
I
("•"■ ■ ■ ■
Company Nam© (If applicable):
Which compuier(s), it any. do you own' 1
...
■*■♦■
11 mif.41
if >t*
iiimiittitt
IIHMIIII"""'
EAOE ■ Adwmd pnc4i* itnd *iym:if*cAi*e*s\\ m#y rn«ng« 1 P1«at* fiftjm »*»• ctxipoo *o» Ih** i+*mn i/*i*^t»iho^
68D J
Missing the complete set? - well get your back issues NOW while you can
SOLD OL
Buying a palm package plus reviews of Pagestream.
Colourpic. Sequencer 1 . KCS Powerboard. and Scaia
Accelerating the Amiga plus reviews of Bars & Pipes.
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SOLDt
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&**.
:~<i
&*:
»
>»•»•
►** .
Buying a printer plus reviews of Pro-24. Real 3D. Wordworth,
TEX, Imagine and Superbase 4
Amiga Answers special plus reviews of Spectracolor. Superbase
4. Touch-Up. Action Replay, VideoCenter Plus and more
The most comprehensive review ever of Amiga word processors
plus the Video Toaster and a free fractals guide
&*»
ORDER YOUR BACK ISSUE
CATCH UP ON WHAT
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A hardware and add-on buyer's gmde special, tone
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OUT!! /.
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FREE Tracey plus special animation tutorial, test drive of Roc
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definitive memory guide and the biggest Amiga Answers ever
Round up of best hand scanners. 5-page special on RAM
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of 3D animation packages. RayDance. Expert Draw and a
preview of the new Easy AMOS
PD special - a guide to the most mdespensabte PD programs
and an in-depth review of PD postscnpt, part two of the series
on Artificial Intelligence plus reviews of ImageMaster,
SaxonScript. SuperJam and 23 pages of Amiga Answers
Special graphic* issue torturing me Amiga's lop art packages
Audition 4. Sound Enhancer and desktop video directing
with Showmaker
Insight into CDTV. a comprehensive gu>de to pnnter
preferences, 24-bit graphics, reviews of Genesis. Turbo Print
and Stereo Master
Drive guide ipectel - all the tacts and advice on hard dnves
quality video output with Impact Voton-24 card. DCW graphics
and more
( .
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but better still, book up for the year ahead - and never miss out again!
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If you think taking the
Amiga seriously includes
having fun...
If vour interest in fhp Amin^ rovers evprv/rhinn
If your interest in the Amiga covers everythin
- including games! - you ought to take a look
at the latest issue of the world's best-selling
Amiga magazine.
*-%>,
Read the full review of The Secret of Monkey Island
2 - LeChuck's Revenge. The best Amiga game ever?
Find out what we think are the top 1 classic Amiga games
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And while you're there, you can get the low-down on the
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Amiga 600, find out what happened when we tested the
A570 CD-ROM drive and discover how a cheap sampler or
scanner could be your way in to the Amiga's amazing world
of graphics and music.
AMIGA FORMAT ISSUE 36 - IT'S WAITING FOR YOU AT THE NEWSAGENT NOW!
DOT MATRIX
INK JET AND NOTEBOOK
i
ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
FREE DELIVERY
Hnt Oft- kvtftn* »• UK mMtMtf
LOW PRICE 9 pin PRINTE
.
S'ltui pi tf merits some great
oHora on tho award winning
range ol high quality matrix
printers trom Citizen. Each
Citizen printer ic Dultt in me
UK to exacting standards,
ensunng superb reliability and
output. Our confidence in
Citizen's quality is such that
we are pleased to include a 2
year guarantee with every
printer Plus, if you buy a
Citizen pnnter (not inkjel) Irnm
ufi. wo will give you the Silica
Pnnter Starter Kit (worth
£29 36). FREE OF CHARGE!
FREE STARTER KIT
WOTtEttM «W tvtry Oman pnntw
2 YEAR WARRANTY
maim poAltr n#jd) wiffl evfrv Cnceo punter
WINDOWS 3.0
Fr»t Window* 3 driver,
indue* wn tut S*ci Sow u
FREE COLOUR KIT
W*n t«ry Pro** 9 S-« * & 24c M 2?<
FREE HELPLINE
144cps 80 co.umn
» Citizen TP0O* - 9 pin * 80 column
U4cps Draft. 30cps NLO
4K Printer Buffer + 2 Fonts
Parallel or Serial Interface
Graphics Resolution: 240 x240dpi
Epson ana IBM Emulation
Pull tractor & bottom feed
FREE Silica Printer Starter Kit
tin
HUCA STMUBMTOS
WTM VAIIX C224
$ap*6 tin
FREE COLOUR KITl
300 cps
80 COLUMN
Qtnan Proovt 9 9 pin - BO column
JOOcps Draft. OOcps NLQ
OK Printer Buffer * 3 Fonts
ParaSmi intarface
Giaptxcs Resolution. 240x240004
Efoon end IBM Emulation
FREE Colour Ktt
FREE Silica Printer Starter Kit
» "**
in
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cotA* mi
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MADE IN THE UK
griwi pnnm art mmuimrM to mgn aindeviK
192 CPS 80 COLUMN
• Given Swttt 9 9 pr 60 conjmn
a *92cps Drift 4&cps NLQ
a OK Pnnter Butter * 3 Font*
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AW 0»
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tRlCA ITJWTW Ef T in
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192 CPS 136 COLUMN
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6K Pnntar Buffer • 3 Fonts
Panaai interface
Grapmcs n a w kJ Hon 240*240dpt
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FREE Sil>CS Pnnter Slater Kit
mp on
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raw mix raw
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£249
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PRINTER + SOFTWARE + COLOUR
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m 2i$cps Draft. Jappf LO
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Processor and DTP package
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24 pin PRINTERS
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• Epson ana IBM Emulation
• FREE Colour Kit
• mcc Sttrtm Pnntar Starter Ktt
nnr
til
silica iTMTimn ns
TOTAL vuw rw
«^*; tin
ww«« cm
NFW/
192 CPS 136 COLUMN
• Oftnm 5M4T44X ^< pn- (35 cofcmn
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360x360(tp,
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IMP
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totu rum mm
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£349
360 CPS 80 COLUMN
e Oftzvn Prof*f - »m/*tf - 00 cefumn
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w _ — ub
rorji mi w
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unarm!
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• VeV> P^44 fVoMMWi PnnA^
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e Graphics Reaolubon 3B0s
• Epaon &l NEC P* I
e FREE S*Ka Pnn tar Staw h:
w an
rem wut oh
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£249
FREE/
STARTER KIT
Mr i mm «od Mr «« r*
fMDgiCtorrVrtUvtv
pi* tf Tnt S*cj Sttrtr *rt
-,..- r; imioh -i--f |l N Ni
• jr Ci W -nrw fwWndm)
• 2 Wr * Pirjbit frntp C4fiM
• 303 M«l 01 Ccrtmute t*vr
•
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tmmaouk
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TOTAL
VALUE
£44.33
ACCESSORIES
5CRMt INTERFACES
«K MTMOAV EJfPW
pmm* ST*****
OM
I^IMIMI
Pi
an
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COLOUR KTT8
RUIN* MKfif BUI
PW« ACCCSSOW/ES
nvntm«un nint
rVltflMl
( SILICA SYSTEMS OFFER YOUl
• ^r?£C Overnight DELIVERY: On *H hardware orders sTNppM in the UK mainland
• TECHNICAL SUPPORT HELPLINE: T«am ot tecftrwcai experts at your service
• PRICE MATCH: We normally match competitors on a "Same product • Same pnoe" basis
• ESTABLISHED 12 YEARS: Proven track record in professional computer sales
• BUSINESS * EDUCATION *■ GOVERNMENT: Volume discounts available 061-308 0888
• SHOWROOMS: Demonstration and training facilities at our London & Sktcup branches
• WC rULL STOCK RANGE: Ail of youi requirements from one supplier
• FREE CATALOGUES: Wilt be mailed to you with offers and software/peripheral details
• PAYMENT: By cash cheque and an maior credit cards
Be*on» you decide when to buy your new pnntei we suggest you trunk very ca/eW»y about WHERE you
buy rt Consider what it wtl be Ike a few months ate' you have made your purchase, when you may
require additional penpnera* or software, or hetp and advice with your new purchase And. wif the
company you buy Horn contact you **h detaAs of new products^ At S*ca Systems we ensure thai you
ana nave novang k> worry aoout we nave oeen tftatNatiM for over 12 years and. with our unnvaied
axpenenoa and expertise we can now daim to meet our customers requirements with an
unfMfStaYXinQ wtnen is secona to none But oon t iusi take our word tor it. Complete and return the
coupon now lor our latest FREE Irterature and begin to experience the "Silica Systems Service"
\ MAIL ORDER HOTLINE
081-309 1111
SILICA
SYSTEMS
MAJl ORDER: 1-4 The Mewl HMMfln Rfl StfCup Kent 0A14 40X Ttl 081-309 1111
OUaV LTaft Opf Mpff-Seat 900*ffV^0Qp^ ^ leal **#* OpfTQ Fn ^ 061 X» Q6Q>
L0N00N SHOP 52 Tonenhjm Court Road, London. W1P OBA W: 171 SM 4001
Opi^Pf Hajajej KKr* bast t3QaVn-eOQpm HO IM* *+gT ' <■ . * P*a UO fl7l 373 47J7
LONDON SHOP. SdtadQCs >:-v fwi Word Street. London. WlA UB Til: 171-629 1234
Op«^"q h.,,1^ MonStf 9-3O«m-flQ0pm
SIDCUP SHOP:
l*f NigN Thkjtiasy urttv 5pr^
EriPW Wt4
Wo^ 5*1 9QQ*m-5»om
1*4 The Mews, Hatherley Rd. SkJcud. Kent 0A14 4DX Ttl: 081-302 8811
L*tt N*^( Fndtt^ now 7prp Fu No 061 iM 0017
Ho;
Silica Systems. AMSHP-0892-80 '-4 The Mews, Hatfierley RcJ. Sidcup. Kent. DAJ4 40X
PLEASE SEND A BROCHURE ON THE CITIZEN RANGE
Pi
MrWrvM.ssWs
Aoaress
Initials.
Surname
-
Poslc<xle
161 (nOiTW/, tOl \»VO«KJ » iiai u *•*'*
IrfOmpflny N»i" it (H eippflCrlDfaj)
Wh»ch cwnpuiar(s). H any. do you own? 806 I
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f NOT SAHSBED WITH TH6 PRODUCT SM-
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1MB 6 MOW SURE WE ARC THAT YOU WU
BE MOfif THAN MPPESSf D YOU VE GOT
TOHfAPlITOWllfVf IT
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WITH ALL SOFTWARE
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AS YOU CAN ENHANCE THE SOUND TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH THE BRAND NEW RELEASE
FROM OMEGA PROJECTS: LOOK OUT FOR THE REVIEWS
CSA
ROCKET LAUNCHER
A BRAND NEW PRODUCT
to enable people that own
the Commodore A2630
Accelerator to increase its
speed to a full 50MHz while
retaining full original compatibil-
ity- So don't even think about
swapping your original card for
a faster one until you have seen
the ROCKET LAUNCHER.
£595.00
TURBO CHARGE YOUR CBM
A2630 ACCELERATOR
KICKSWITCH rom switcher
DOES NOT REQUIRE MACHINE TO BE SWITCHED OFF TO SWAP ROMS
1. RIBBON CABLE MOUNTED 24.95 (Bare)
2. WORKS WITH ACCELERATORS 44.95 fine 1.3 Rom)
3. AUDIBLE SWITCH OVER 49.95 (ine 2 x Rom)
4. EASY INSTALLATION
5. FULLY AUTOMATIC Save 5.00 on last months prices
150/250Meg SCSI
TAPE STREAMER
The ULTIMATE back-up device
INTERNAL 449.95
AMIGA DOS 2.0
EXTERNAL 549.95 COMPATIBLE
AMI-BACK
Th» WOtLOS tatfrt. m« rttab* hard ** boct<« */mv Ovo«
Obi* lor ft* AMIGA toefct up to 4 floppy tftvffi (not 2 ft* th»
compoWonj of to TAPf STW AMt& without fet rwtf l<v oMfceral
*c*w« noi Out*-* SCHfDULIt St*c** bOCt»« C D»tb
imo^t GuaronteM boa* mart anv olh* o* mo mart*
AMIGA DOS 2.0
a9 - 95 COMPATIBLE
OFFICIAL UK 2.04 ROM KIT
NOW IN STOCK
79.95
GVP
52Meg :i79.95
L05Meg 499.95
IMPACT 500 HARD ORIVE
Expandable to 8 Meg ram
ADD 50.00 PER 2 Meg
IF ORDERED AT SAME
TIME AS DRIVE.
AMIGA A600 & A600/HD
This latest addition lo the Amiga range ot home
computers is the ideal solution for those of you
on Ihe move, due lo its si/e & internal TV
Modulator. Comes complete with 1 meg ram,
Mouse, PSU. 20 Megabyte internal Hard Drive
(A600/HD).
1 YEAR ON-SITE WARRANTY FREE
A600 £379.95
A600/HD £479.95
SUPRA RAM 500 RX
External memory expansion lor Amiga
500 & 500 Plus. Adds up lo 8 meg.
1 Meg 119.95 4 Meg 199.95
2 Meg 149.95 8 Meg 349.95
HARD DRIVE SYSTEMS
500XP 52MEG 349.95
500XP 105MEG 499.95
PLUS UP TO 8 MEG RAM
GVP SERIES 2 {A1500/2000) SCSI ♦ UP TO 8 Meg ol Ram
52Meg 299.95 ADD 50.00 PER 2 meg
105Meg 419.95 IF ORDERED AT SAME TIME
NEXUS (A150072000) SCSI ♦ UP TO 8 Meg of Ram
52 Meg 379.95 ADD 50.00 PER 2 Meg
105Meg 519.95 IF ORDERED AT SAME TIME
SCSI and IDE DRIVES
SCSI Case
52Mog
1 05Meg
1 70Meg
210Moq
44 Meg
850 Meg
inc PSU
199 95
329 95
449 <i c .
639 95
179 95
1299 95
109.95
SUPER CARD-AMI II
THE ULTIMATE & GENUINE DISK DUPLICATOR.
FULL UK SUPPORT & UK USER GROUP SET UP
A500 34.95 A1500/2000
200 WATT PSU
COMPLETE WITH A500 POWER CABLE &
OPTIONAL HARD DRIVE POWER LEAD
READY TO PLUG
IN AND GO
79.95
FAN COOLED
SYQUEST REMOVEABLE HARD DRIVES
44Meg inc cartridge 399 95
88Meg inc cartridge 499 95
GVP SERIES II
68030 COMBO
CARD
This affordable ACCELERATOR CAR!)
for the A 1 500/2000 tfive* your Amiga a
new mil look on professing. ( nmpltrtt*
with CO-PRO, 32 BIT RAM, and SCSI
HAKI> DISK controller.
Allowing transfers in excess of l.2meg/sec
25Mhz + lMeg 32 bit ram 599.95
40Mhz + 4meg 32 bit ram 949.95
50Mhz + 4meg 32 hit ram 1499.95
GVPIV24
24 bit profaftiont] video adaptor. Features
16 million colour* on screen at once. Built
in Genlock. FVFixer. Frame buffer. Frame
grabber, and Digital keyer. Comes with
Caligari 3D. Scala IV24. & Macro Paint
1699.00
NOW INCLUDES RGB SPLITTER
CSA MEGA-MIDGET RACER
The IKs biggest selling ACCELERATOR card. For the A5O0/2O00.
Offering a modular design allowing you to buy what you can afford then
expand later. I'p to "(HMhz CPt + SOMhz Co-pro ♦ 8 Meg 32bit ram ♦
3 12K Shadow [51 UlClram.
tO accelerator 25. 33. 38 Mhz
c'n -Processor socket for t^wj up to 50 Mhz
68000 rocket on board for FALLBACK compatability
Cues you more power than the A3000
Optional DRAM expansion up to SMeg 32 bit ram
I its INSIDE A500/1 500/2000 easily and quickly
Creates a monster machine for progs like FALCON etc
Cuts Kay Tracing times 3fa - 60x for SCL'LPT etc
Speeds up screen refresh and overall performance
Lowest price 68030 THAT WORKS!!!!
As the ONLY OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTORS for CSA we offer a 50%
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25mhz EC68030
33Mhz EC68030
25Mhz MC68030
33Mhz MC68030
25MhzKC ♦ 68882
33MhzEC + 68882
STATIC RAM (512K)
2Mcsj32Bit ram
4Meg32Bit ram
■HMeg32Bitram
25/25 + SRAM + 2Meg
33/33 + SRAM + 2Meg
349.95
449.95
449.95
549.95
499.95
599.95
99.95
219.95
399.95
599.95
749.95
879.95
CSA
40/4 MAGNUM
68040 25Mhz
HIGH SPEED SERIAL PORT
HIGH SPEED PARALLEL PORT
4 MEG RAM (standard)
EXPANDABLE TO 65 Meg RAM
HIGH SPEED SCSI 1 & 2 CONT
CALL FOR MORE INFO
1999.95
Y0r GET WHAT VOL PAY FOR
replacement Dnve
A 1 500/2000 Internal Drives
A500 CMOS RAM Chips (512K)
1 3 ROMS
2 04 ROMS
1 Meg x 6 SIMMS (2 Meg) 80ns
4 Meg x 8 SIMMS (8 Meg) 80ns
Sound Trap 3 Sampler
Mtni Miai interface
3.5* External Drive (Cumana)
Upgrade Mouse
55 00
5° 05
10 95
20 05
30 05
70 05
240 05
20 05
10 05
50 05
1800
50MHz CBM A2630
omplete ACCELERATOR system with 4Mefl 33 Bit Ram|
Of the A1500/2000. comprising a FILL version 68030 CPl
Math* Co-Pro. Expandable to 112 Megabytes o
rue 32 Hit Ram with optional DKH . Expansion hoard
Tall for other pricing
£1299.95
DKB 2632
32 Bit Memory Expansion for the Amiga \2630 Card
Now you can go beyond 4 Megahvlcs of 32 Bit Ram
on your A26.10 Accelerator - The DKB 2632 allows you to
i>and to 112 MEGABYTES
BARE OK £299.95 32Mcg £1399.95
4Meg £449.95 64Mcg £2499.95
8Meg £599.95 INFORMATION SHEET
16Me« £849.95 AVAILABLE
T E
TOP TIPS
Choosing
Computer programming Is
something that just about
every Amiga owner decides
to try at iom« point. It's tho
b«»t method thoro Is for getting to
know your machine, learning how
things tick, and gaining a better
understanding of commercially
written programs, which can only
pay off when you come to use them.
Aside from all that, programming
is also a lot of fun. And who Knows,
perhaps you'll find you have enough
of a talent to make some money out
of it?
Deciding where to begin with
programming on the Amiga can be a
confusing business, simply because
there arc so many languages and
packages available for it. Here are
ten points to mull over before making
the plunge...
O High and low-level - Languages
are often placed into one of these
two categories. If programming is
likened to joining functional blocks
together, then a high-level language
consists of large, complex blocks -
only a few need be joined to create a
sophisticated program - whereas a
low-level language has lots of small,
simple blocks, several of which must
be joined to make the equivalent of a
block in a high-level language.
While high-level languages are
easy to use and better for expressing
complex ideas, low-level languages
are usually faster and give the
programmer more flexibility - they
allow more direct control over the
machine's hardware.
© Compilers and Interpreters -
These are the two different methods
by which programming languages are
translated into a form
understandable by the computer -
known as machine code. A compiler
will translate a program wholesale,
taking it in as a text file and
producing something colled an object
file. This then ha* to go through a
process known as linking before the
final program is created. This will run
completely independently of the
compiler or me original text file, and
it will generally run pretty fast. If a
change is to be made to the
program, it must be made to the
language
Cliff Ramshaw tells you the ten
essentials to look out for when
making a start in programming
Morkbench Screen
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/* precessiny done, now to produce ion* output */
pr»ntf<"\n\ir>;
prev wordr-f; .........
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TilfOi
SAS Lattice C is a great favourite amongst professional developers. It's a
powerful language which comes with many useful programming tools
original text file, which then has to
be re-compiled and re-linked.
Modifying programs like this can be a
laborious process.
An interpreter translates
programs line by line, as they are
actually running. This translation
occurs every time the program is run,
and if one part of the program is
used several times, then it must be
translated each time. The result is
that interpreted programs are
relatively slow, but making
alterations to them is easy because
nothing further need be done beyond
altering the program's text file.
© Absolute beginners - If you have
no programming experience
whatsoever, you would be well
advised to go for an interpreted
language. You are bound to make
mistakes - everyone does - and the
development cycle of a compiler is
almost certainly guaranteed to
infuriate. It's best to steer clear of
low-level languages - you really need
to know what you are doing to use
one of these. The best beginner's
language is Basic. It was designed to
teach people to program, and while it
doesn't have all of the features of a
high level language (nor some of the
complicated concepts behind them)
it is sufficiently more powerful than a
low-level language to enable you to
produce good results in an easy to
understand and read form.
© Graphics and sound - Access to
the Amiga's graphics and sound
facilities can be obtained through a
set of 'libraries'. These are pre-
written programs which handle all the
messy business of dealing with the
Amiga's hardware. The disadvantage
is that they can be quite complex to
get to grips with. An alternative Is to
buy AMOS, a variant of Basic that
provides extremely powerful and easy
to use facilities for graphics and
sound.
Speed - If you feel the need for
speed, then you really ought to
consider a compiled language, or
even an assembler. Interpreters
simply can't cut the mustard when it
comes to speed-intensive
applications.
© Games - It's possible to write
games in just about any language,
but if you want to produce a game of
commercial quality with fast moving
graphics, there is only one choice -
assembler.
Assembler is a low-level
language, the most basic possible. It
is also the fastest and most memory
efficient. It is translated in much the
same way as a compiled language,
although there is a direct
correspondence between each
assembler Instruction and each
machine code instruction that the
computer understands. The only
difference is that the Instructions are
expressed in words Instead of
numbers. The disadvantage of
assembly language is that it is
difficult to learn.
© Serious development -
Commercial applications are usually
written in C - a compiled language
which combines the best of both high
and low-level languages. C is so
popular on the Amiga because it was
used to write the operating system.
Interfacing to It is therefore easiest
with C. Alternatives are Pascal and
Modula-2.
© Academla - If you are about to
embark on an Open University or
college programming course, you'll
almost certainly come into contact
with Pascal. It was designed
specifically for this purpose, and is
still popular amongst lecturers. It has
grown more powerful over the years,
and is now a serious competitor to C
in the commercial stakes, too.
© Includes - If you get a compiler
from the public domain, you will be
missing the official Commodore
include files. These contain
segments of code needed for easy
access to the Amiga's library
functions. They can be obtained for
£25 from Commodore Business
Machines, Commodore-Amiga
Technical Support, Bradbourn Drive,
Tllbrook, Milton Keynes MK4 8AT.
© Weird and wonderful - There are
many more languages other than the
ones mentioned so far. They are
available from the public domain,
and present great opportunities for
experimentation. Languages such as
Lisp and Prolog can be used for
artificial intelligence; Smalltalk for
learning about object-oriented
programming. You'll need extra
books to use these, since their
documentation assumes knowledge
of the language in question, but
they're a good way of realising just
how diverse languages can be. f^
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
119
Evesham Micros
• TELESALES AND SHOWROOM SUNDAY NOW OPENING FROM 10AM - 4PM
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JOINT WINNER OF
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aj mm cona «r vr* (V go*g K press • Am gooos suttee 'c 3v*ta0*fy
AMIGA SOLDERLESS RAM UPGRADES
NEW! AMIGA 600
1 MB RAM/CLOCK
UPGRADE UNIT
UPGRADE YOUR NEW A600 TO 2MB
WITH THIS SIMPLE PLUG-IN UPGRADE!
-' Simply Plugi Into trapdoor expansion
area ft Increases RAM capacity to 2Mb
ChipRAM' -V ram On/Off Switch
ft Battery-Backed Real-Time Clock
ONLY
£ 49.99
A500 512K
RAM/CLOCK
UPGRADE
<0<£ 22.99
IMC. VAT AND DELIVERY
ALSO WITHOUT CLOCK
FOR ONLY ;
£ 1 7.99
ft CONVENIENT ON / OFF MEMORY SWITCH T> AUTO-RECHARGING
BATTERY BACKED REAL-TIME CLOCK •> COMPACT, ULTRA-NEAT DESIGN
A500 PLUS'
1MB RAM
UPGRADE
THE FASTEST AND EASIEST WAY TO
UPGRADE YOUR A500* TO 2MB RAM!
Simply Plugs Into trapdoor expansion ir*a -
Increases total RAM capacity to 2Mb ChlpRAU'
ft RAM On/Off Switch * Compact unit sizs *
Only 6 low powsr RAM IC's & High reliability
ONLY £42.99
1.5MB RAM BOARD
"W-
UPGRADE
Fully populated board increases total RAM in A500 to 2Mb! > Plugs «|
into trapdoor area. a connects to GARY' chip ft Includes Battery-
Backed Real-Time Clock ft Socketed RAM iCs on 512K/ 1Mb Versions
Unpopulated RAM board wtth clock £ 34.95
with 512K InsUlled £ 54.05 with 1Mb installed £ 69 95
RAM Board with 1 .5Mb F ASTR AM installed .... £ 7900
NB The-
•vgLMV* KKfcMfl 1 3 to
opt««i« ■ Kouun l 9 1
• hom u> tor £?9 95
,«u»iiHi« 'MEGABOARD'
-r*- 1 * -
mwrnninn'""""
With our MEGABOARD. you can further
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512K upgrade (must be 4 % RAM-chip
type, or not exceedma 9cm in lenath
J! ONLY £54.99
CONNECTS TO YOUR
512K RAM UPGRADE
TO GIVE 1.SMB
MEGABOARD nwds KickMart 1 3 to Optral*
(KiCksUrl 1 3 upgrade available from ut (Of
C?9 05). IrtfttallaHon rtquir+t connection to the
GARY chip. Easy to follow mttructiont provided
EXTERNAL 8MB RAM UNIT
Incorporating the latest 'ZIP ORAM technology.
our new External Memory Upgrade allows the
ASOO / A500+ to be upgraded by up to a further
8Mb ol auto-configuring FASTRAM.
* Available fitted with 2Mb, 4Mb. or fully populated
with 8Mb ** Very low power consumption
"fr Style matched to the Amiga 500 * Throughporl
for further expansion ft RAM access LED
•> RAM test/run switch ft Optional PSU (allows
Amiga to power other devices)
With 2MB fitted.. .£119.99 with 4MB.. .£179.99 with 8MB ...£289.99
PARTIALLY POPUUTZDmTS EXPAND TO 8*e WITH M MODULES AVAILABLE SSPAW^ • OPTIONAL POWER SUPPLY £14 95
W B Any ^sav*vo/y frtlmnJ
to them urtrf mi m md&tiQn to thmt
on four /nftcfan* mkmsrfy to #
'nai-mum at Mto on ff># mxt+msi uner
3 'A" EXTERNAL FLOPPY DRIVES
AMAZING LOW PRICE !
£47.99
including VAT & delivery
Quality Citizen/Sony
drive mechanism
Enable / Disable switch
Full 880K Formatted Capacity
Long reach connection cable
•Very quiet
•Slimline design
•Suits any Amiga
•Cooling vents
•Sleek, high quality
metal casing
•Throughport facility for
addition of further drives
REPLACEMENT A500
INTERNAL 3.5"
DRIVE KIT
Fully compatible, with 1Mb
unfor matted capacity
Straightforward installation
procedure. Kit includes full
lifting instructions
ONLY
£39.99
Evesham Micros 1
• TELESALES AND SHOWROOM SUNDAY NOW OPENING FROM 10AM - 4PM
Evesham Meres]
TELESALES AND SHOWROOM SUNDAY NOW OPENING FROM I OAM - 4PM
ZY-FI Am fe1< S e t r e s re<>
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HOW giving THUt UHET9CALE CAPABILI! T
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TRUEMOUSE
WE GUARANTEE That thia It me
tmoomwi. most fetponelve and
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Compatible lo any Amiga or Commodore CDTV, this NEW
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PHILIPS 1 5" TV/MONITOR
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TELESALES AND SHOWROOM SUNDAY NOW OPENING FROM I OAM - 4PM
MIDI
sequencing
help as Paul
Overaa looks at
some current
offerings from
Gajits Musk
Software
ast month I talked about
how SuperJAM can simplify
the creation of song
arrangements. I thought
this month that I would continue
with this theme and look at another
approach which simplifies the
construction of a song, namely the
use of pre-wrftten blocks of music.
Gajits Music Softwares Hit Hit
offering Is based on this method and
since It is aimed at Sequencer One
and Sequencer One Plus users I
thought that it would be useful to
start with some details of the
sequencers themselves...
Gajit's MIDI sequencer.
Sequencer One, has established a
large user base which includes not
just Amiga but a great many Atari ST
users (in itself no mean achievement
when you consider the scale of the
ST music software competition).
Why has Sequencer One done so
well? It's because Gajits. Instead of
trying to offer an all-singing all-
dancing package, set out to produce
a sequencer which offered the user
just the basic facilities needed by a
musician.
What Gajits left behind of course
was the complex, and often rarely
used, things which intimidate many
users (and the 400 page
manuals that take forever
and a day to understand).
In short Gajits produced a
sequencer which was ideal for
beginners and ideal for any
applications where the
sophistication of the heavyweight
sequencers was not needed. It also
left behind the heavyweight prices
and in fact last year an Amiga Format
coverdisk offer placed Sequencer
One in the hands of almost anyone
who wanted it. Since this time
Sequencer One has of course moved
on and an upgraded version.
Sequencer One Plus, has been
introduced.
AN OVERVIEW
Sequencer One provides the usual
types of loop mode recording,
overdub and block transfer
operations.
All the normal forms of sequence
editing facilities are provided but as
well as the common or garden
quantization and transposition type
options there are some additional
goodies thrown in. including
controller re-mapping and range
controlled MIDI event stripping and
thinning functions.
The program works with both
MIDI gear and internal sound
samples and as the sequencer loads
the user gets the chance to assign
memory usage. If. for example, it
was known that 120K of chip
memory would be needed for holding
sound samples then you'd need to
ensure that Sequencer One left a
sufficient amount of chip memory
free!
SCREEN DISPLAYS
Three main screen displays are
available with the original program -
the track screen, the step editor
screen and the bar editor screen.
Like most sequencers, the main
controls are based on a set of
record, play, fast forward, rewind,
stop type tape-deck gadgets. These,
together with the usual array of
position counters, channel activity
indicators and so forth are present
on all three of the Sequencer One
program screens.
The track screen consists of two
scrollable list areas: on the left there
is a display containing information
about the sequencer's 32 tracks and
these hold track number, track
name, mute on/off status, and
channel info.
On the right is a list of
user definable "song positions'.
The user can set these to any
position in the song and assign a
name to that position. Recording
and re-channelling output (to either
MIDI or the internal sound chips)
quite simply could not have been
made any easier.
The step editor provides a pi;
Vel: 63 Start; 1121:13.111 Len: Mil. 196
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LIMIT
1 2 J l 5 ( ' ( 9 1C 'i *l 13 H 15 '4 ,1 J V 82
Se quencer One
»»»»»»»»»»>>> PLUS
Song Nine: Pachbel.PLS
Events Used: 115288
Events Free: 137718
Sequencer One Plus's new Diamond Drag editing scheme
Sequencer One PLUS
I Gajits 1932
II ► Pteludio.PLS
AlbunPath "HIN
Seg,One_Plus:Songs , ■ SHORT
^n^ — i—™
12 Pachbel.PLS
Next Song
83 Sonmc.PLS
12 ►Pachbel.PLS
13 ► Sonatac.FLS
BUFFER NEXT
H >
IS >
16
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18 >
19 E>
rec m rr play stop ma
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Se quencer One
»»>»»»»»»»»» PLUS
Son? Nane: Pachbel.PLS
Events Used: 883514
Events Free: 139582
Juke Box facilities - another plus for the new release!
122
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 1 6 • AUGUST 1 992
MIDI
roll tvDe display of a track, showing
which notes are played and where
they start and end. This editor is
used for editing (and deleting)
individual notes or entering music in
step time.
Three modes are associated with
the step editor - delete mode, info
mod© and a step entry mode. In
delete mode, notes disappear as you
touch them, in info mode you can
view and edit events, and in step
entry mode you can enter notes
manually in step time.
Fvent editing (providing of course
you know what the various MIDI
event values mean) is reasonably
straightforward... click on the event
and then when the information panel
appears type in whatever new values
are required.
The bar editor shows the
arrangement of the song graphically.
indicating for each track, which bars
contain data. It's mainly used for
viewing and creating arrangements
and it is well suited for carrying out
block operations.
The file menu lets you load/save
files in both Sequencer One format
and Standard MIDI File formats
and 1 which are the most commonly
used MIDI file arrangements.
Format incidentally is a single
stream arrangement which is
probably the most portable of all
MIDI files types, format 1 is a
multiple track storage scheme. One
useful facility is that when Sequencer
One loads a type MIDI file it splits
the file data up so that the data from
each MIDI channel ends up in a
separate track. Even when you are
not porting your compositions to or
from other sequencers this split
effect allows the MIDI save/load
operations to be used for separating
multi-channel track data.
There's also a block menu which
pruvkJca out/copy/paste/delete type
functions, and a track menu which is
concerned with global operations
carried out on a single track. It's
from this latter menu that quantizing.
Sequencer One PLUS
@ Gajits 1992
SBI
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Seq uencer One
»»»»»>»»»»»» PLUS
Sons Him: Pachbti.PLS
Events Used: 883589
Events Free: 839497
Tempo mapping comes to the new Sequencer One Plus
stripping, thinning and
note/timing/controller alteration is
carried out. There's also a rather
sneaky track info facility which, in
addition to giving you some basic
track statistics, lets you attach
volume, patch (program change) and
pan information to a track.
On the MIDI menu side the
options of Sequencer One are.
''The Juke Box
screen allows
albums to be
created or played.
if
relative to many other sequencers,
fairly basic. There is the nowadays
indispensable Soft Thru option
available plus internal/external clock
choice and SSP (song position
pointer) support.
A number of data filters are also
provided so that note on/off.
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
MIDI - Musical Instrument Digital Interface; the universal standard by
which digital instruments such as synths and computers can
communicate.
Loop - The section of sound that is designed to repeat as a key is held
down - usually to create the illusion of a continuous sound.
Quantisation - In sampling this is the method of smoothing the overall
level of sound as it progresses from one sound slice to the next.
Sequencer - A piece of software on a computer (or sometimes built on to a
keyboard) which stores musical scores and transmits this information
In real time via MIDI to synthesisers which will then play it.
Metronome - Timed electronic pulse... or a dwarf on the Parisian
underground.
polyphonic and channel aftertouch,
program change, pitchbend and
controller information can be
selectively passed or filtered.
In addition Sequencer One offers
audible or user selectable MIDI-
note/MIDI-channel metronome
control, mouse click tempo setting,
song notes (ie text notes to be
associated with the song) and things
like keyboard help. The big plus for
many users however was being able
to use the Amiga's internal sound
chips either as an alternative to MIDI
or in conjunction with K.
Using IFF sound samples and
MIDI output together is a piece of
cake and there are a lot of musicians
who find many uses for the
thousands of IFF sound samples
which are nowadays available.
Sequencer One then, clearly won
many friends in the 'ease of use'
department.
I vi -'.::!.- ^rr;
This latest version of the software
called Sequencer One Plus, adds a
number of facilities which are not to
be found in the original program. For
a start two new screens, namely a
Tempo Map screen and a Juke Box
screen, have been added.
Tempo maps are graphs of
tempo versus song position which
allow you to define either gradual or
sudden changes in the tempo
(speed) of a piece of music as it is
played.
The Juke Box screen allows
albums' (song sets of up to 32
songs) to be created and played. CD
style controls are provided and you
can skip back and forth between
songs, play in random order, pause,
mute selections etc. You can also
alter the delay between songs and,
given sufficient memory, have the
sequencer load the next song as the
current one is playing.
A new track 'solo' button has
been included so that individual
tracks can be heard in isolation and
'punch in' facilities have also been
added (this allows you to limit
recording to a specific area of the
sequence).
Many other operations including
the quantizing, metronome, and
event filtering options have been
enhanced and there is even a special
filter which solves the MIDI echo'
problem found on some Yamaha
synths. Changes to the Alter Notes
options make it possible to scale or
shift note lengths and to change all
occurrences of a particular note to
any other note (this now means that
drum note remapping becomes quite
easy). In addition to these Sysex
recording facilities, a count-in box.
and numerous other facilities have
been added.
By far the most interesting
changes however concern the Step
Editor screen because here a new
'Diamond Drag' graphic editing
scheme has been introduced. This
offers a fast, audible, interactive
note placement and editing scheme
which allows you to listen to, add,
move, stretch, snap (push a note on
to the current step interval) or delete
notes very easily.
EASE OF USE
When you select a note for editing a
set of four 'drag diamonds' appear
around it with note value, velocity,
length and position data being
displayed at the top of the screen. If,
for example, you wish to move the
note you just select the top diamond
and then use the mouse to drag the
note to where you want it! The Drag
Diamond system works in
conjunction with a mini-menu that
drops down beneath the note to
provide other facilities (including the
conversion of notes to MIDI
controller data) and the net result is
an editing system that is both simple
to use and effective.
cMrtmwd ovtrittf
ooooooooo
SHOPPING LIST
Sequencer One Clf.f 5
(Latest version with new User Guide)
Stavtflcer One Plus £49.95
(ovoikible for a limited time as on
upgrade to registered Sequencer One
owners for £39.95)
Available from:
Gajits Musk Software
l-Mex House
40 Princes Street
Manchester Ml 6DE
« 061-236-2515
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 + AUGUS1 1992 1 **
MIDI
he Hit Kit Is Gajlt's music
composition system that I
mentioned earlier. It can
help to create professional sounding
drum tracks, bass lines, arpeggio
patterns, and even complete pieces
of music and the good news Is that,
since this Is all achieved from within
the environment of Sequencer One
or Sequencer One Plus, there Is no
need to learn how to use another
program! I'll be showing you how
you can used the Hit Kit to its best
potential to show you how to
achieve some great musical effects.
How does it work? Very simply,
the Hit Kit consists of a disk which
provides a large selection of 'musical
building blocks' which can form the
basis of a piece of music. All you
have to do, is choose the blocks you
want, and arrange them as required
using the sequencers block
"There are seven
style directories
containing ballad,
blues, disco, house,
latin and others
Use the Hit Kit to compose anything from Isolated sounds to complete pieces
of music, all from within Sequencer One or Sequencer One Plus
Sequencer One PLUS
SGajits im 0HI
//
«*•
movement facilities.
As far as the Hit Kit is concerned
each block has two characteristics
associated with it: a 'style', and a
type'. The style is just the style of
music for which the block was written
(eg disco). The type, is the
suggested use of the block (eg a
bass line pattern). These categories
are intended to help you choose
blocks for a particular situation but
they're not rigid, so you are always
free to experiment!
ON THE BEAT
The Drum Bank blocks contain drum
patterns configured for a particular
instrument. Each drum pattern Is one
bar in length and you will find three
ainerent Drum Bank directories on
the Hit Kit disk.
Separate Roland and Yamaha
format drum patterns are provided
but if you are using a drum machine
Select Block to Load:
SS0N1A.BLX
SSvtUB.BLK
SS0N2A.BLK
SS0N2B.BLK
ISCOI.BLK
ISC02.BLK
MSC03.BLK
DISC03F.BLX
USCM.ILX
DISC04F.BLK
t
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fower tKit':PRlKBW
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Se quencer One
»»»»»»»»»>»>> PLUS
Sons Nam: UNTITLED. PLS
Events Used: IM11I
Events Free: 942896
Loading blocks of data from the Hit Kit via Sequencer One
which uses some other drum-note
<-> voice convention you can do one
of two things: re-configure the drum
machine Itself to match either the
Roland or the Yamaha drum kit or, if
you have Sequencer One Plus, remap
the drum parts.
Drum pans are also provided in a
more specialised multi-track form
needed for some applications,
including internal sound based drum
parts. When you load these blocks,
you will find that each drum sound is
located on a separate track of the
sequencer. This means that you can
easily set up the channel and patch
number for the track to trigger the
appropriate sound.
The multi-track format may also
be useful if you have a MIDI
instrument which does not have a
separate drum channel or if you want
to play around with the relative
positions of certain drum parts (for
Create pro
sounding
compositions
with the Hit Kit -
Paul Overaa
shows you /low
instance, slightly shifting the snare
drum part will alter the 'feel' of many
drum patterns).
Most of the patterns are in four-
four time (except for JAZWALTZ.BLK.
which is in three-four time) and a
fairly wide range of styles are
available.
Despite the fact that there are a
lot of files on the Hit Kit disk a block
naming convention has been
adopted which makes it quite easy to
pick out the right types of patterns;
for each style, the blocks are
numbered from 1 upwards (eg
JAZZ1.BLK. JAZZ2.BLK, and so on.
for jazz style) and in general the
pattern becomes more complicated
as the number increases.
For a particular block number,
there may even be several
associated variations available - for
example: the blocks JAZZ4A.BLK to
JAZZ4F.BLK indicate a set of similar
patterns, designed to be used
together in the sequence in which
they are lettered (that is: one bar of
JAZZ4A.BLK, then one bar of
JAZZ4B.BLK. and so on). This is only
a suggested order and you may, of
course, use them in a completely
different order, just use one of the
blocks repeatedly, or even mix them
with the other styles!
FILL THE RHYTHM
Some of the patterns have 'fill In'
blocks which they can be used in
conjunction with. These can be
inserted at suitable points in the
rhythm, perhaps to separate a verse
from a chorus, or simply to "lift' the
rhythm. Again a useful name
convention helps to make things
easier for the user - fill in blocks are
suffixed with the letter "F" and so
BALLAD2F.BLK. for example, is
designed to be used as a fill in with
BALLAD2.BLK.
PHRASE FINDER AND
STYLE LOOPS
Phrase Finder blocks cover bass and
drum parts, chords, arpeggios etc.,
and with the exception of the drum
patterns all are eight bars in
duration.
The phrases are contained In
seven style directories covering
ballad, blues, disco, house, latin
(samba, bossa nova and so on),
114 AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 •AUGUST 1991
I D I
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
Arpotftfo - a chord made up of notes which are played in a rapid and
normally upward succession.
Chord - Several notes played at once, usually to create a harmonically
pleasing combination.
- A unit of musical time with a fixed number of beats.
Dub - To add sound effects or music.
it- Software which stores musical scores and transmits this
information in real time via MIDI to synthesisers which will then play it.
reggae and techno styles. Within
each of these style directories, is a
set of type directories, one for each
type of block. Hence you can 'home
in' on a particular block simply by
using your sequencer's file selector
box to step through the directories.
The blocks provided In the drum type
sub-directories, incidentally, have
just been duplicated from the main
'The Hit Kit gives
you instant library
data, saving you
time and hassle."
drum bank data. These contain a
selection of drum blocks which are
suggested for use with that particular
style although it is of course just as
easy to pick your own from the main
drum banks.
The Style Loops are a set of
looping Sequencer One songs made
up of all the phrase blocks (except
the drums) for a particular style. They
arc not intended to De complete
pieces of music and are there simply
as a means of listening to the
blocks which are available without
having to load and play each in
turn.
BLOCK OPERATIONS
To load a Hit Kit block into
Sequencer One or Sequencer One
Plus, you select the Load Block
option from the Block menu bar
heading and then use the file
selector box to choose the block to
load. The block will then be loaded
into the clipboard. To check this, you
can use the Block Info facility {again,
this is under the Block menu
heading). The Block Info box shows
the number of events contained in
the block just loaded, and also the
track and position from which it was
originally taken.
To use the block in the clipboard,
you will need to Paste it into your
music. For single-track blocks (all Hit
K/t.blocks except multi-track drum
patterns), Paste will write the
clipboard contents at the current
song position on the current track.
The current track and song position
should therefore be set before using
Paste. A multi-track block will be
pasted at the current song position
on all tracks (even though the block
may not actually use all tracks). If.
incidentally, the sequencer's overdub
mode is on the clipboard it is merged
with the existing data rather than
replacing it. Since you can choose
the number of repetitions for a Paste
operation it's often possible, if you
are taking the easy way out and just
using a basic pattern, to paste in
complete song sections with one
paste operation.
AN EXAMPLE
The following example illustrates just
how simple it is to create a rhythm
track for an instrument
using Sequencer One or Sequencer
One Plus in conjunction with the Hit
Kit..
Firstly, we'd choose a track to be
the drum track, say track 1, and set
It to the current record track (setting
the MIDI channel as appropriate for
the instrument). Then, with the Hit
Kit disk in a drive, we would select
the aooroDriate drum bank directory
using the file selector box, identify a
suitable drum pattern and click on
OK - this will copy that block to the
clipboard.
Having ensured that the song
position is at 1:01. we select Paste
from the Block menu, set the number
of copies to say 4, and click on OK.
Four copies of the block will be
pasted onto track 1 at the start of
the song (if in doubt you can always
check this using the step editor
screen which, in the case of the
example, should then show a 4 bar
pattern).
After a paste, the song position
advances automatically to the end of
the blocks, ready to paste again so
after the above steps it would be
reading 5:01.
We might then decide to load a
variation of the first block and repeat
the steps described above - if four
bar pastes had been used in each
case an eight bar rhythm pattern
would have been created. This could
then be copied and repeated as
many times as required using the
normal sequencer block copy
operations.
Since you can do these types of
operations with the
drum parts, bass lines, chord
progressions and other
accompaniments, this building block
approach makes life substantially
easier for both the musician and the
would-be musician. Don't forget also
that once the blocks have been
loaded into the sequencer there is
nothing to stop you modifying the
blocks in any way you that choose.
THE BOTTOM UNE
To be fair it would be perfectly
possible to create your own libraries
of sequence fragments for general
use and. in the early days that is
exactly what an awful lot of MIDI
users, including myself, did. The
disadvantage of the 'self made"
approach, even if you have the
musical expertise, is that it takes a
lot of time to create such libraries.
The Hit Kit gives you that library data
instantaneously so it saves you both
time and hassle! (£}
ooooooooo
SHOPPING LIST
• ■♦■*■-■ i ■.. * . . .
1W Hit Kit.
The Sample Series
Per volume
For the 5 volume set
"? ,u
Gajits Music Software
l-Mex House
40 Princes Street
Manchester Ml 6DE
« 0612362515
«.~ £24.95
-£9.95
£39.95
THE SAMPLE SERIES
Sequencer One, Sequencer One Plus, and the
Hit Kit all provide sampled sounds support, we
ought In paaslna also to mention Gajtt's Sample Series
| disks.
I These are a collection of IFF format digital sound
samples which have been created from professional
quality sources and they therefore sound an awful lot
better than anything you could create yourself. Five
volumes are available covering Percussion & Effects.
Guitars & Strings. Brass & Woodwind. Synth and Vocals
and Piano & keyboards and each disk does incidentally
include its own demo tune.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992 1 IE
<8.t
NEWSFLASH
8833 Mk II Monitors
Genuine UK Model with
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A
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COMPUTER SYSTEMS LTD
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Unfortunately due to Its provocative nature we were not allowed by Future
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Captain Diamond scoured the pages of every magazine he could lay his hands on and
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If vou bought CDTV and are now living to rearet it read on
"..Commodore made multimedia available to the
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Cain's (Senior Staff Writer PCW) comparison of the
two systems gave him the best hardware experi-
ence he's had for five years...."
Personal Computer World July 1 992
Did you bet on black and it came up red?
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£35.99
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£299.00
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£30.39
Club Members Prices Only
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BUSINESS
When Gold Disk first
Introduced Michael
Todorovic'v The
Advantage It was
hailed as the best spreadsheet for
the Arnica ever devised. In many
respects, there were better
offerings: MMS's Analyse II had
mure powerful graphing facilities:
KUITU'ft R-Spread 4 had more
function*. N*v*rth*les«, Advantage
Is fast, superbly easy to use and
generally quite rolloblo. Time has
marched rol©n*U«*ly on («• It has a
hahH of doing) and the Amiga hoe a
new Workbench with a more
professional look. To mark this
occasion, Mike put his programming
hat on again, Improved the
Advantage Interface still further,
added loads more features and the
result Is Professional Calc.
Dedicated Advantage users will
be immediately at home with the
new system: the enhanced features
and 140-odd functions will soon
bocomo second nature. However,
Professional Calc is so much
better than its predecessor that we
felt it necessary to devote a full
review to it.
The program is supplied on three
disks with a friendly and well written.
if limited user manual. Just like its
predecessor, it requires at least 1Mb
RAM and a second drive is highly
recommended.
Installation to hard disk is
painless and can be driven directly
from the Workbench. Unlike some
installs, this one doesn't copy
everything carte blanche, but gives
you some control over what happens.
Customisation options are not
set during installation, but can be
altered through the icon information
later on. Support has been provided
for all the main screens under 1.3
Kichstart in 4, 8 or 16 colours; plus
the SuperHiRes. Productivity and
A2024 modes added to Kickstart 2
and the ECS.
FUNCTION FACELIFT
In perfect tune with the new
WorHbonch design. Professional Calc
features a drab grey. 3D bas-relief
screen. Even the row and column
headings are displayed as miniature
buttons. The overall effect is very
business-like and easy on the eye;
better still it's easier for neophyte
users to pick out clickable areas.
However, perhaps the best new
addition, at least as far as instant
functionality goes, is the toolbox.
Thic runs along the top of each sheet
and provides instant point-and-click
access to functions such as; cut,
copy, paste, style tags, colours and
the ARexx interface. Beginners and
trie terminally lazy will find this
feature a real boon. Even so, In the
best traditions of well-written
software, the toolbox can be
switched off to reclaim a little extra
real-estate on the sheet.
STYLE TAGS
One failure of The Advantage was the
range of text options. Text within the
sheet could be set in the normal
console styles of bold, italic and the
various colours. But each operation
was separate, and although a style
could be applied to a block of cells,
getting the desired affect could
take some time. Lack of proper
macros (except ARexx) effectively
meant most sheets ended up
Pro* a
i! :M¥mUq«/Supgrb«»8r>phici
Tiewbership by fl?e Range
Ne*e
I I I £_
%edcar Sports Oub %tport Charts
lyftfibenhtF bv §1* Binge
18-24
25-34
16-24
25-34
In Group
Percentage 5*
Membership by Profession
Hales Ftnales
Professional
Sen i -pro
J| Skilled
Smi-ikilted
18
2
13
12
Professional Calc comes with a professional looking user Interface. One of the
best additions Is the tool box which gives easy access to the functions
lacking that certain pazazz.
With Professional Calc this cavil
has been completely eliminated and
enhanced by the use of style tags.
Basically, you can apply a set of
parameters to a cell and give that
"style" a name. Once defined the
style can be applied to any cell or
block of cells. One fault with this
process is that it's not possible to
apply "no style" to a cell. This is, I
suspect, a bug and something which
may be corrected in a later release.
Something else I took exception
to was the similarity to the Mac
interface. There's nothing wrong with
that (Apple would argue otherwise
I'm sure) but it only goes half way.
For instance, clicking the Style
selector on the toolbox brings up a
requester; clicking the fonts button
pulls up another. This means you
have to move the mouse somewhere
else. A roll-down selection below the
coflHnved on poge 1 33
JARGON BUSTING • JARGON BUSTING
ARexx - The Amiga's version of the scripting language from IBM
mainframes. Rexx. ARexx was written by William Hawes and has become
so standard it replaces Amiga BASIC in Workbench 2.
CSV - Comma Separated Values. An import/export protocol used to transfer
data between spreadsheets and databases (usually). Every value is
delimited by a comma - it's that simple!
EPSF - Encapsulated Postscript File. A postscript program which may be
read by other software.
Macro - A set of common operations recorded by the application. Macros
can be played back at will to perform a series of commonly used
functions automatically and thus allow for faster operation.
Postscript - A page description (printer) language devised by Adobe and
used by many high-end laser and LED page printers.
Tag - Text Attribute Grouping. A short form for Style Tag. Style tags are used
to attach a common name to a set of text attributes: font and size,
italics, colour, and so on. Tags can be viewed as named macros which
apply a specific style to a cell or group of cells. In DTP systems, tags are
also known as paragraph styles.
Mark Smiddy
casts a critical
eye aver
Professional
Calc, Gold Disk's
follow-up to the
acclaimed
Advantage
spreadsheet
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
131
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BUSINESS
4I31IIII1I
Graphics are one of the selling points of Professional Calc - there Is a
lengthy list of chart options ranging from Pie to Scatter charts
(oiiinwd Iron pop 131
selection point (like a menu) would
be much easier - and faster - to
use. Also, the style tags have to be
defined using a menu function -
surely the names could be entered
directly into a toolbox gadget? Oddly
enough, tags are not supported by
the graphics functions - which
seems a little odd.
Standard Amiga bitmap
typefaces are fully supported - with
sizes in excess of 120 points would
you believe? (I would have preferred
a fonts requester that could retrieve
typestyies from other drawers and
devices - but that's a little picky).
Postscript support is complemented
by several specially built screen
fonts - and there is nothing to say
these couldn't be used on a dot-
matrix printer.
CURIOUS OUTLINES
One particularly interesting new
feature is the use of multiple views.
This sort of thing is common in other
systems but seems rare on the
Amiga. The idea is to open several
"child" windows based on the current
spreadsheet.
Each view shows a separate part
of the sheet and can be used
independently (ranges can be copied
and charted) of the main sheet. Any
changes made in any view are, of
course, reflected in the main display.
When a view is being used the menu
bar changes colour to indicate this -
nice touch that.
A curious addition is outline
support. Outlines are difficult to
describe, but the idea is to gather a
group of common data under a
heading and collapse the display
under that heading. Groups of
headings can themselves be
compressed down and so on. This
feature may be useful to hide ranges
of rows and columns and just show
results - but its inclusion in a
oprcodohccl accms a little eccentric.
More time could have been spent in
other areas.
Other new functions include a
proper (if limited) Fill Range and
macro features - in Advantage these
were implemented in ARexx - and
that made them tediously slow.
GRAPHICS GALORE
Graphics have always been one of
the strongest selling points in
Advantage. Not just because it offers
a wide range of options, but mainly
because they are so accessible.
Professional Calc makes things even
simpler. Clicking an icon on the
toolbox pulls up the chart requester -
where each chart is represented by a
picture depicting what it will looks
like. This is much more beginner
(and expert) friendly than fishing
through the menus for that elusive
"3D/spllt/proportional/pie chart" or
some such thing.
Basically. Professional Calc
offers the classic charts: pie. line,
scatter, bar, hi-lo etc. plus 3D lines,
3D area and dual pie. But why, oh
why isn't it possible to overlay two
different charts on the same display?
This was a major flaw with Advantage
and one which I would have expected
to see corrected.
Admittedly, one of the pre-define
charts comprises a pie chart
alongside a vertically stacked bar
chart - but this is hardly sufficient. I
want the ability to chart two different
ranges on the same display with
different Y axes if necessary. Also,
the ability to chart some row data
along with an independent piece of
column data elsewhere on the sheet
would be handy too.
WISHFUL THINKING
On the subject of extra features, a
facility to calculate linear regression
on a scatter chart and the area under
a line would be nice. Just to be really
pernickety, the ability to define the
viewing angle and perspective of a
3D chart would be nice.
This considerations might seem
a little "0TT" to the casual user, but
it should be considered essential for
those presenting reports or making
presentations. In this respect, an
overall impression of professionalism
Multiple views are one handy feature of Professional Calc; several windows
to one spreadsheet can be viewed at once
What Is a
spreadsheet?
At Its simplest
level, a spreadsheet Is a tool for
processing lots of numbers In
rows and columns; matrices If you
like. (That said, pure
mathematical matrices are a
different thing altogether and are
not supported by Professional
Calc). Today's spreadsheets are
used for a variety of different
things but most And a home In the
business environment where they
are used for complex costing and
cashflow analysis. Many even
have simple database-like and
word processing functions too.
What to a ceil?
Every spreadsheet Is constructed
from a grid of many columns and
rows; the intersections of which
are called cells. Rows are marked
with numbers, the columns letters
- so every cell has a unique
address (cell reference) made up
of a letter and a number. Cells
can contain formulas, numbers
and text; they may even be
empty. At the simplest level, you
can get the sheet to add up an
entire row or column wtth one
simple command. In this respect,
spreadsheets can be viewed as
extremely powerful calculators.
How are calculations carried out?
The biggest problem wfth a
spreadsheet Is It's an open
application: a blank piece of
paper; like the first screen on a
word processor or an empty
database. The application Is
defined by the user and that
means you have to enter all the
formulae yourself. Simple
arithmetic such as 2+2 or 5*4
can be contained in a single cell,
BEGINNERS
'TART HERE
but more
complex
problems may
Involve the use of many hundreds
of cells with forward or even
circular references.
What are forward and circular
references?
In simpler systems these are
errors, the simplest of which Is a
forward reference. To explain how
this comes about requires a
knowledge of how spreadsheets
calculate results. As has already
been explained, the spreadsheet
Is constructed from a large grid of
cells: row-by-row. column-by-
column. When you ask the sheet
to recalculate (work out the
results of any changes you have
made) it works through the entire
sheet in a specific order.
For columnar recalculation: It
will move down each column (a
row at a time) until ft gets to the
bottom, then move to the next
column until It reaches the end of
the sheet. For row-wise recalc. it
goes the opposite way, traversing
the columns (left to right) and
moving down one, when each row
Is completed.
Forward references occur
when a formula requires a value
from a cell which Is ahead of the
current recalc position. In other
words, the cell is always one
calculation out of step. Circular
references are more or less the
same, but in this case, the two or
more cells may reference each
other. These features may be
required for some applications
and the correct answer Is
determined by the number of
Iterations - the number of times
a spreadsheet is recalculated.
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
133
BUSINESS
Mv like raqiiAetere ara part and parcel of the Professional Calc program;
guaranteed to give your mouse a workout!
is often as important as the
information presented. This is not
what power users demand; it is what
they expect.
In spite of my cavils, there are a
lot of chart options - far too many to
even list, let alone describe here.
However, a great deal or thought has
such as Superbase and graphics can
be saved as IFF (of course) CAD and
ProDraw.
The printer options are more
interesting because someone at
Gold Disk has realised that
Postscript exists outside the realms
ot Professional Page. Postscript.
Ad van t »9«/?up«rb»t«Craphici
132 ;M T
None
I'SS or over
lildllZl^lEl
1 1 '
■
XJflM.TlJLl Jll llAJ
43-M 35 or over In Group
[tlenbership by Profession jm/ fi$e (Hiltt)
18-24 35-44 45-54 55 op ovtr In Grou
Professional
Sen i -pro ■
Skilled \
Seni-skilled
Management
Training
Unskilled
Self-enploved
Ketired
Unenpioyed I
49*34 33 or ovtr in liroup
1112
i
I'
1
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5
1
21
8
<m.
Areas of Professional Calc can be selected easily with a drag of the mouse.
Here, an area covering the cells A32:D47 Is shown
been put into how the various
requesters appear. Essentially, you
ar*» never struck by a barrage of
questions - unless you want to add
fancy bits such as: headers, footers,
weird grids - you name it.
Professional Calc even has a
dithering feature allowing access to
136 screen colours - so they claim.
FILE AND PRINTER
SUPPORT
Professional Calc will import files
from: Advantage 1.1: Office Calc
(aka Advantage 1.0): Maxiplan and
Lotus 1-2-3. Gold Disk admits the
Lotus support is not perfect, but it
should be quite adequate ror most
Amiga users. (If you really must use
Lotus, get o KCS Power PC Board or
something similar and run it on that).
For Lotus export. Professional Calc
provides the option of not writing the
extraneous file header. This startup
default is accessed through the icon
info and will not usually be altered
anyway. CSV export is provided for
compatibility with database systems
Adobe's page description language is
as good at printing graphics as it is
at printing text. With the price of
high-quality Postscript laser printers
dropping all the time, support in
Professional Calc is a bonus.
Version 1.04 reviewed here is
capable of printing even on the larger
I JSllPl Al =IAU ■ ■ ■ 1 XJ^fcJTj^J ill) liftj
n ■ i t i £ ; t | 8 L_
Big Text!
* fang*
fl 9 e
A3 machines - which has to be good
news for all concerned. Notably, even
if you don't own a Postscript printer,
the program will write a Postscript
program to disk for despatch to a
specialist. If your work includes DTP.
Professional Calc will save an EPSF
for inclusion in pages prepared on
the Amiga. PC or Macintosh.
DOT ON THE LANDSCAPE
If the high-flying world of laser
printers isn't your thing, the
traditional impact dot-matrix
machines have not been ignored.
The program will even print
sideways (landscape) on most
graphic printers - that is, not daisy
wheels. Taking that into account, I
think the HP Laserjet/Deskjet 500
printers should have been catered
for. Although they should print using
the Preferences driver, it is doubtful
the effect would be as good as a
customised support for these
popular machines.
CONCLUSIONS
There is little doubt that Amiga based
spreadsheets have a very limited
appeal - since the machine is not
generally viewed as a business
micro.
A lot of snobbery still surrounds
the PC simply, "because IBM makes
them". The Amiga, on the other hand
has (or rather had) two major
problems. First, thanks to a thriving
games market it was viewed as a
games machine. This has been
eased by the proliferation of console
systems and explosion of PC games.
Second: the user interface. Intuition
was looked at as a bit of a joke.
Given that the Amiga was the first
affordable micro to offer reliable
multi-tasking, the GUI was a bit of a
let-down. Kickstart 2 has changed
that and with rumours of new. faster
machines coming, the Amiga might
finally become the machine others
can only promise.
However, this can only be the
case if the software can match the
hardware; and all things considered.
i' - -
Standard Amiga bitmap typefaces are supported by Professional Calc. It's
even possible to view text which is even bigger than 120 point in size
the massive range of clever software
is why the PC still survives. Even 486
systems can be likened to little more
than a leather trimmed Mini with a
Ford-Cosworth engine. The machine
might be fast, but the chassis
technology is outdated.
POWER SPREADSHEET
Professional Calc is an early example
of a new breed of software which has
the potential to propel the Amiga into
the world's offices. Michael
Todorovic has put a lot of effort into
making this powerful application so
far in front of the competition it is
unlikely they will ever catch up.
However, it must not stop there.
Being best on one system does not
mean you're best all round.
It is comparatively weak when
compared to. say: Informix's Wingz
or Microsoft's Excel - and it is those
systems by which it will and must be
judged. I hope Gold Disk will listen to
the criticism waged here and
encourage Mike to improve the
product until it reaches beyond all
the competition and can truly be
called the professional's choice. As
far as the Amiga is concerned
though, if you need an ail-singing, all-
dancing sheet this one is definitely
worth closer examination. QJ
ooooooooo"
SHOPPING LIST
Professional Calc.
Supplied by:
HB Marketing Ltd
Unit 3, Poyle 1 4
Newiands Drive
Colnbrook
Slough SL3 OOX
tr 0753 686000
£159.95
v
CHECKOI
Professional Calc
Speed • • • • •
SHU probably the fastest Amiga sheet
around.
Ease of Use • • • • •
Supreme - if only everything on the Amiga
were this simple.
Functions • • • • O
Sufficient for a vast range of applications.
Documentation • • • •
Beautifully laid out, but a little too sparse
for beginners.
Graphics ••tOO
Easy to access, but limited for a power
spreadsheet.
Value ••••O
High price, but high performance too.
Overall rating ••••o
A worthy successor to The Advantage.
134
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST TOO?
Now's your chance
to take advantage
of all the bargains
we've lined up for
you at special
prices, a chance you
can 't afford to miss
DIGITA WORDWORTH
tuiiwn
k i i«jmI ***** Wtri ill Nbw itwi^ «U ■ 'vtinl* <*jn* #w *# m
* i imi* ■» ml Wi mi j w «f^M Mrfw^ni
%4 Mi«* M «|ll u tit mm m*
I Ml HOIM Accomis
Digita's acclaimed Wordworth word
processing package was first reviewed In
issue 4, when Jeff walker said: "Heavens,
there's so much to the package." Since
then it has been further improved. It comes
with a spell checker, a thesaurus, an on-line
help facility, and one of the best manuals
we've ever seen. It also has a whole load of attractive fonts and. of
course, excellent facilities for incorporating graphics into documents.
DESCRIPTION PRICE
GASTEINER OPTICAL MOUSE
Digita Wordworth
DESCRIPTION
£89.95
PRICE
ORDER
SHWORD
Order using
the form on
page 138 or
use our credit
card hotline on
0458 740 1 1
SAVE SAVE SAVE !
ORDER
DESCRIPTION _
Gasteiner
Optical Mouse
DESCRIPTION
SAVE £6
This mouse solves all
of those sticking
trackball problems - rt
doesn't have one.
Instead it uses solid
state technology for
trouble-free operation.
PRICE ORDER
£29.95 MOUSE
WTS RAM Upgrade £24.99 SHRAM
SAVE £6
This excellent
expansion for the
A500 will take your
computer up to
1Mb. It has a
battery backed-up
clock and follows Commodore's guidelines.
RAM UPGRADE WITH CLOCK
HOME ACCOUNTS 2
SAVE £10
Keep complete track of your
accounts with your Amiga
and Home Accounts 2. With
Digita's unique Human
Interface Protocol, finance
control couldn't be easier.
DESCRIPTION
PRICE
ORDER
Digita Home Accounts £44.99 SHACCOU
PRICE
ORDER
Connections Interdial
MS024 modem
This handy little modem will get
you Into the world of commi
with a whizz. With MNP4 error
corrections and MNP5 data
compression, it will provide data
transfer speeds of up to 4.800 bits
per second.
£299.95 CONN INT
HYUNDAI MODEM
The Hyundai modem is an
excellent item for the beginner In
comms. It has data transfer rates
of up to 2.400 bits per second
and supports the V21. V22 and
V22bis protocols. You'll also need serial cable
and comms software to get started.
DESCRIPTION
PRICE
ORDER
DESCRIPTION
ORDER
INTERDIAL M5024 MODEM
Hyundai HMD2401
modem
PRICE
£99.95 HYUNDAI
Technosound Turbo £29.95 SHTECH
SAVE £10
Yo - sample the action!
Technosound Turbo provides
everything you need to sample
the delights of Amiga audio-
Plug it into your printer port,
grab sounds, edit them and
add amazing effects.
TECHNOSOUND TURBO
¥ • i «0( M* « ■ » • » 104 ^
<«M
«UHREPEATABLE OFFER»
Mfcronfl MS-DOS
Mien*oft MS-JX IS
Wfiy slick wifh an Amiga when
yau can have a PC as we//?
Emulation's the name of the
game with the KCS Power PC
Board, Run high
powered PC
software on
your Amiga
The emulator runs Microsoft MS-
DOS. It will also support expanded
memory and run Windows
The KCS Power PC Board will
display 16 colour EGA and VGA
graphics
THE KCS POWERBOARD PC EMULATOR
YOURS FOR ONLY £169.95
i
t
HIDDEN
EXTRAS!
OR USE THE ORDER FORM ON PAGE 1 38
DESCRIPTION
PRICE
ORDER
KCS POWERBOARD PC £1 69.95 EXCLUDING DOS KCS
£189.95 INCLUDING DOS
411 PRICES INCLUDE W, POSIAGE AND PACKING
p*
«UNREPEATABLE
WITH THE KCS POWERBOARD
THIS MONTH
ONLY ORDER
NOW
This is your chance to
take advantage of the
wealth of business
software available for
the PC, without
changing your
computer! The KCS
Power PC Board plugs
into the Amiga to
provide almost 1 00%
PC XT compatibility
The KCS emulator Is available as a trapdoor expansion for the A500 and A500 Plus, or as a
plug-In card for the A1500/A2000/A300 series. It comes with 1Mb of extra memory, too
METAMORPHOSE YOUR MACHINE
The KCS Power PC Board was the
first of the PC emulators available for
the Amiga 500. More recently a
version has been released on a plug-
In card for use with the A1500 and
upwards range of Amigas.
The board uses an NEC V30
processor, equivalent to an Intel
8088 as used in the IBM XT and its
clones. The board comes with 1Mb of
RAM. Of this, 0.5Mb is given over to a
private PC RAM disk, while the other
0.5Mb can be accessed by either the
Amiga or PC. In PC mode on a base
Amiga, there is 704K of free memory
with a further 192K configured as
extended memory (EMS).
Installing the Powerboard in an
A500 is a snap. Just unplug your
machine, remove the trapdoor
expansion cover, plug the card in and
you're ready to go. Preferences can
be set up with the supplied
installation software.
The board will emulate several PC
screen modes: MDA. CGA, Tandy.
Hercules, and 16 colour EGA and VGA
at a resolution of up to 640x480
pixels.
Most popular Amiga hard disks are
supported by the board, including
Commodore's A590. the GVP Impact
and the Supra. 3.5"' 720K and 5.25"
360K floppies are also supported.
Serial mouse emulation is
supplied via the Amiga's standard
mouse. The Amiga's serial port can
be accessed by DOS for use by
modems and so forth.
The system is ideal for users who
need to run PC applications and who
don't want to go to the expense of
buying a PC. UK-based Bitcon's
technical support line makes the
Power PC Board an even more
attractive proposition. And, because it
is a complete PC in its own right, all
upgrades are software-based.
HiOi O^H^KIK HHI
DESCRIPTION
PRICE
ORDER
DESCRIPTION
PRICE
AMOS
£35.95 SHAMOS
ORDER
SHAMCOM
AMOS
AMOS COMPILER £21.95
AMOS
AMOS Is one of the
best Implementations
of Basic available for
the Amiga. With it.
users can quickly
create stunning graphics
dnd audio effects. It's no
slouch when it comes to writing
serious programs, either.
AMOS COMPILER
AMOS programs are pretty fast, but
If you feel the need for even more
speed, then the AMOS Compiler is
for you. Your programs will become
stand-alone applications, independent
of the AMOS interpreter.
AMOS COMPILER
DEVPAC 3
HiSoft'S Devpac 3 is
probably the most
advanced assembly
language
programming
system you can buy
for your Amiga. Not
only does it come
with a fully-
featured
assembler with
macro support,
but it also
includes HiSoft's
editor and debugging
program MonAm. Commodore's
header files are supplied, so you can
create Amiga applications immediately.
DESCRIPTION
DEVPAC 3
PRICE
ORDER
£65.95 DEVPAC 3
S BOOKS. . .
DESCRIPTION
PRICE
INTUITION: A PRACTICAL AMIGA PROGRAMMERS GUIDE £1 4.95
PROGRAM DESIGN TECHNIQUES FOR THE AMIGA
ORDER
INTUIT
£14.95
DESIGN
MARK SMIDDY'S LITTLE BLUE WORKBENCH 2.0 BOOK £1 2.95
LITTLE
ORDER FORM
Name
Address
Post code
Telephone No
SEND THIS FORM TO:
Amiga Shopper,
Future Publishing Ltd,
Somerton,
Somerset, TA 11 7BR
Do not send cash through the
post with your mail orders
Please make ail cheques
payable to Future Publishing
I
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INTUITION: A PRACTICAL AMIGA PROGRAMMER'S GUIDE
BY MIKE NELSON - KUMA PUBLICATIONS
Use of Intuition, the Amiga's graphical Interface, Is
essential for giving your programs that professional look
and maintaining compatibility across different versions of
the operating system. This book shows you how, with
sections on screens and windows, communications, menus.
gadgets and requesters.
PROGRAM DESIGN TECHNIQUES FOR THE AMIGA BY PAUL
OVERAA - KUMA PUBLICATIONS
If you've ever written reams of code only to find that It
doesn't work and you can't And the bugs, then this book Is
for you. It shows you how to design your programs before
typing them in, ensuring more reliable and efficient code.
MARK SMIDDY'S LITTLE BLUE WORKBENCH 2.0 BOOK -
KUMA PUBLICATIONS
Mark Smlddy. probably one of the most knowledgeable
Workbench gurus, brings you this guide to the Amiga's
operating system. Handy tips include how to make a boot
disk, how to set up a printer with the right driver, and how to
customise your startup-sequence, with extensive examples.
HISOFT PASCAL
Description Price
Order No.
Total Order
Method of payment (please circle) Access • Vrso • Cheque • PO
Credit Card No.
Expiry Date Signature.
tttlMMtltt
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At last there's a version of this
popular programming language
for the Amlgal Pascal is
popular throughout the
academic world for its clarity
and precision, so much so
that it has been taken up by
large portions of the
commercial sector. Find
out why it has done so
well with HiSoft's
blindingly fast version,
Highspeed Pascal. A
full set of files are included for
accessing the Amiga's operating system,
as well as an integrated editor and a debugger
DESCRIPTION PRICE
ORDER
HISOFT PASCAL
£89.95
HISOFT P
C DT V
M
uttimedia '92, held at
Wembley 2 in mid
June was one of the
best exhibitions I've
over Yioitod and over the past five
years I must have been tu them all.
I have to admit some of them have
involved nothing more than grabbing
a quick train tu London, snatching
©very press roloooo I could find and
reading them up on the way home
but this shun had me gdwhlng at
stuff for a good eight hours. Over 70
o* hi hit ore woro chowlng of* their
wares and while most of these were
PC-based, there were a few Amiga
CDTV set-ups away from the main
Commodore stand.
Now multimedia, whatever you
might think of the term, is pretty
fascinating stuff, so much so that
most purveyors of its hardware seem
to spend most of their time figuring
how to get it to work faster rather
than concluding what they actually
want to use it for. Loads of
applications come tumbling out of
the ether of course - desktop TV,
video e-mail, interactive training.
point of sale, even virtual reality. And
there's loads of whizzo add-on cards,
touch screens, hi res monitors, laser
disk systems and video cameras all
waiting to be hooked up together.
BE A DEVELOPER
But as I said, the applications arena
is wide open because the technology
is still in Its infancy. It's almost as
though multimedia is at the same
stage as computers were, say. ten
years or so ago - before someone
had the bright idea that you could
actually use them to write a letter to
CDTV INTERPLAY
Leading CDTV systems engineers.
Optonica has announced an August
launch for its Interplay authoring
system. Billed as a multimedia
authoring environment for non-
Technical producers... who require
Hie production of professional
^H ^
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t
Andy Storer visits
Multimedia '92
and comes away
with news of the
latest CDTV
authoring systems
The Amiga CDTV as an Enhanced Multimedia Computer with a
QWERTY keyboard, disk drive and infra-red mouse
applications without the normal
excessive learning curve and
development costs', Interplay uses a
desktop publishing style front-end to
make it relatively easy for would-be
CDTV authors to build applications by
laying out multimedia productions as
series of pages containing media
clips. The system comes with a low
overhead runtime player and a
motion video playback simulator. It
Altnougn there's still no sign of it. Commodore is confidently predicting sales
of 100.000 A570 CD-ROM drives before the end of the year. A £399 price
point now seems likely since the drive has been upgraded to include RAM
expansion and built-m hard disk. But at least Commodore is keeping the ball
rolling. It's just announced a new bundle for CDTV - the Enhanced
Multimedia Computer, or as it's known in the trade - The Multimedia Pack.
This consists of a CDTV. keyboard, mouse and disk drive for £599. CDTV
product manager, Gary Lewis, claims the bundle sold 6-7000 units in its first
two months on sale in Germany. So CDTV has now come full circle - whereas
once it was pitched as a machine with no connection whatsoever with
computers, it then became the Amiga CDTV and now the EMC. A year sure is
a long time in Commodore computing.
someone. So the fact that there were
a number of off-the-shelf authoring
systems available for the Amiga
CDTV 15 not only encouraging but just
goes to show that if you want to
reach 1.2 million users in the UK.
many of whom will be buying a A570
CD-ROM drive when it arrives, vou
could do worse than to buy such a
system now and do the business
with a market just dying for a new
product.
will handle sampled audio files, ANIM
animations, ILBM pictures in all
modes. VideoStream motion clips,
SMUS music files and multi-font text
support. But no price is fixed as yet
though. More information from Lee
Gibson. Optonica. 0455 558282
SC ALA MULTIMEDIA 2.00
What many consider to be the
premier multimedia presentation
package for the Amiga. Scala, has
now been upgraded with advanced
sound/graphics synchronization,
improved animation loading and
more than 25 new visual effects.
Commodore claims Scala is the top-
selling multimedia authoring package
on any platform in Europe and has
set the standards by which all others
follow. With Scala Multimedia 2.00
available for £395 ex VAT. sound,
music, video and graphics can now
be timed in seconds and frames
while animations can be loaded
directly from a disk as they are
played thus enabling a 16Mb
animation to play back on a 3Mb
machine with instant access.
Soundtracks can be added to
animations without any reduction in
the time of playback. Video
manipulation techniques have also
been enhanced with effects such as
flips, flows, rolls and stretches now
possible. Up to 112 slides can be
viewed simultaneously on-screen
using Scala's Shuffler with the user
able to edit and shuffle the sequence
of slides for presentation with the
click of a mouse. The package's
built-in Infochannel module allows
Sca/a-based presentations to be
distributed to an unlimited number of
remote sites via telephone or data
broadcast links.
VIDEOSTREAMING
A stereo audio sampler, real time
image digitiser and professional
video deck controller along with
production and editing software for
the Amiga and CDTV has also been
announced by Optonica. Although it's
a touch pricey at. ahem. £2500.
VideoStream is targeted at
multimedia title developers and
requires an Amiga 1500. 2000 or
3000 with 2Mb RAM. hard disk and
video deck. All video recorders
conforming to Sony's 9-pin serial
protocol - covering a range of high-
band U-Matic. Mil and S-VHS decks -
and offering perfect freeze frame and
frame advance are supported. With a
fully automated front-end. WYSIWYG
previewing. ARexx compatibility and
onboard runtime player.
VideoStream offers point and click
video and audio sampling. Used in
conjunction with Optonica's
Interplay authonng system, motion
video files can be incorporated into
CDTV titles via a "video from hard
disk' simulator. Video and audio
portions can be fine cut via
VideoStream's built-in SMPTE
ttmecode generator. fTfr
THE TOP TEN
CD TITLES
ON THEIR WAY
PD SHAREWARE
HOME OFFICE
CINEMABILIA
DISTANT SUNS
NORTH POLAR EXPEDITION
NEW YORK CITY
MEDIALEXICON
PROWRITE/FLOW/DESIGN
WORKS
MUSICOLOR
FIDO FAX
...more Info next month
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992 1 *»Q
READER ADS
... Or how you can reach 50,000 fellow Amiga owners for only £5
FANZINES
PD monthly News, charts, reviews
or*d loads of fro© software mo™ thon
jijm .1 (otulne. 2 illsha every month.
tp/W nsonfy 13. P.O. Don 1987.
London, nihkpp
•pl« Call Kan after 6pr
462634 (Dorset)
Dtek Issue 2. Twodisk
magazine, packed with even more
reviews, news, games, cheats, music,
PO. programs and utilities, sand
£2.50 to R Wild. 8 Cranieigh Place,
Whitley Bay. NE25 9UD.
personal
PERSONAL
Exchange Amiga 500 public domain,
Demos, music, etc; for your used
Mercury phonecards. Regular contacts
wanted. David James, PO Box 1154,
London W3 8PZ,
QFA Baste; rf you use GFA. wtiy not
contact The Forum. Both beginners
and advanced users welcome. Also
advanced tutorial disk available. Ring
John any time on 0788 891 197.
FOR SALE
ABOO Ptua 2 meg RAM, 52 meg
Quantum wrth monitor and printer ,
Also selection of software £850
OVNO. « 0606 594717.
Amiga ABOO, 4 Mb, A590 20Mb H/D.
twin floppy, modulator, mouse and
mat. cover, loads of disks, original
boxes, manuals etc. £500 or win
n'..»l
version 2.0 only two
weeks old. Fully guaranteed, free
Mastersound Included. Will deliver In
London ansa. £85. Contact Barry 071
2673031.
Epeon LQ 2500 Printer, manual and
spare ribbons included. £150 or best
offer may exchange for A590. » 051
428 5429 after 6pm.
Amiga 1500. 1084S monitor, loads
of software, kernel plus abacus
manuals, magazines. Excellent
condition. Cost over £1300 new. sell
for £650 ono. Contact Richard Vine.
Tadpole Cottage, Eardlsland,
Herefordshire. HR6 9AR.
A3000. 100Mb, 6Mb RAM. 1950
Monitor, 25 mhz. speakers tncl 8
months old, plus software. Quick
sale. £2300 ono. Ask for Pern. • 081
886 8656 evenings.
Amiga A500 plus (April 92). GVP
52Mb hard drive incl. 4Mb RAM
(bought with above). Cortex 4Mb
external RAM expansion (upgradeabie
to 8Mb) for A5OO/A50O*/ A1000
with own PSU (Brand new). Philips
CM8832H colour monitor. Star 9 pin
colour pnnter and ribbons. Cumana
second drive. GFA Basic 3.5. Amos
1.3. Amos compiler. Amos 3D. Proiexl
5. SAS *c* compiler 5.1. Deluxe Paint,
Photon Paint 2. over 11 games
(unused). Worth over £2000. Will
split. Ring for more details. Sensible
offers, w 081 427 6511 evenings.
Software video studio: Imagine,
Doluxo video III, Video Titter 3D.
Videoscape 3D, DigiPaint 3, Deluxe
Paint III. Fantavision. Photon Paint II..
oriflinai r1tab«. manuals All boned,
£185. • 0298 22862.
ASOO 1Mb 1.3 Extra drive, hand
Xdiucf ana software. DPaint 4. Real
things. Safari Studio. 30 Amiga mags
arid software. All manuals, joystick.
mouse, dust cover. PD software
venous games £650. * 0359 40620
evenings.
Amiga 600 1. 3. mouse, joysticks,
expansion, modulator, external drive,
action replay, rombo colour digitizer.
Panasonic camera. Worth £650 sell
£400. GVP 52 Mb wrth 2Mb. 3300
KXP 1124 printer £130 - • 0752
670880.
ABOO 1.5 Mb. UpgradeVortex 40Mb
hard dnve Midi Interface Music-X. 10
games Sonix-2.0 Xerox 4020 Ink- Jet
Pnnter (4024 colours). Panasonic KXP
• 1080 Dot Matrix Printer. All manuals
included £800 ono. Chris 446521.
A2000. V3.07 autobooting
Faastroms. Manual and software/
Bargain at £115 vidi amlga. vidl
chrome, vldl RGB. The Complete
video' digitiser. bargain: £95 » 081
2525
Amiga 500 1Mb chip, manuals
software extras original packaging.
Also 52Mb Quantum hard-drive with
SCSI, 8 meg unpopulated RAM-board
software installed. Both under year
okl £7000.00 ono. will separate.
• 0332 571177.
controller for
A1500/A2000. V3.07 Autobooting
Fast roms. Manual and software
bargain at £115. VkJi Amiga. v>di
Chrome. Vidi RGB. The Complete
video digrtiser. bargain: £95. • 081
395 2525.
CSA68030 Accelerator with MMU.
68882. 4 Mb Dram. 512K SRAM
Software/ hardware suitable to
68000 mode. Fits A5000, A1500.
A2000. Boxed with manual. Absolute
bargain at £680. • 081 3952525.
GVP SCSI controller for A1500/
■trad QMP 2160 Dot-matnx pnnter
£75 ono. TV modulator. New action
replay M.K. II £45 ono. WTS 512K
expansion £15, new cumana drive,
145 All in full working onjBf |r)
before you buy 0516 258994 4pm*.
A5S0 hard drive with 2Mb disks and
manual £200. Dave 0252 519092
evenings.
Amiga software Drakken £6. Silent
service II £10 F19 £8 Devpac 3 £30.
F15II £10 Kings Quest 5* Hint Book.
£15 Thunderhawk £6 Heroquesl +
Data £11. w 0622 554102.
A590 hard drtva with two meg fitted
£250. Philips 8833 £180. Star LC10
colour pnnter. £130 all ono.
Numerous mags plus disks offers.
« 0455 610879
Amiga ABOO A590 20Mb Hard drive
with 1Mb RAM £200. 0483 772739
evenings and 0252 24461 ext 2851
daytime.
OeluxePalnt 2 (No Box) £5,
DeluxePamt 3 £10. both include
It's only £5 to sell your used hardware and software in Amiga Shopper
Sell your excess hardware and software with Amiga Shopper Reader
Adverts. Just fill In the form and send it to us along wrth a cheque
(maoe payaoie to hJiure PuDiismng} or postal order for £5. But be
WARNED. This magazine is not a forum for selling pirate software or
other illegal goods. Software must include all issue disks, manuals and
a signed statement that ell other copies have been destroyed. Please
advise us if you are offered pirate or copied software by advertisers. All
ads are accepted in good faith. The editor reserves the nght to refuse
or amend ads. We accept no responsibility for typographical errors or
losses ansmg from the use of this service.
Trade ads will not be accepted. Including anyone advertising the tale of PD software.
Name
Address (not for publication)
Issue 16
Postcode
Date
Tel
nM *"ff few to
show nouifcd
section heseUng
For tale Q
Wanted
Personal ...,□
Fanzines. J
Use one space for each word. Onty the word* in this section will bo printed.
Return with your
cheque to:
Reader Ads,
Amiga Shopper,
30 Monmouth
Street,
Bath,
Avon BA1 2BW
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee insertion in a particular issue.
I have read and understood the conditions for the inclusion of my ad.
Signature
manuals (no covers)
780856 after 7pm.
all disks, v 0954
Amiga 500. Commodore model 1081
monitor. 1 meg. 20 games, joystick,
mouse, manuals ail necessary leads
in mint condition cost £900 sell for
£450. » Elliot 0745 334035
weekdays after 6pm.
Amiga 2000 with XT bndgeboard (IBM
compatible) 20Mb hard dnve loads of
software £695 ono. Also petal Action
Replay £30. For more information
• 081 959 7002.
Amiga A2000 Quantum 40Mb HO
2091 controller at BB 20Mb HD 2058
RAM Card 3Mb RAM 108450 Monitor
Mouse KYBRD various software
manuals £1700 » 0733 371304.
6*020 (SMfu) • 68881 (20Mhz> CSA
midget racer for A500, A1500,
A2000. Fits In CPU socket. £90 ono.
For more information » Richard 0206
854946 after 7pm.
Colour burst 24-bU graphics bo* for
all Amigas 16.8 million colours! No
special monitor needed Pure RGB
output including CB Paint software
onty £3001 • Tony 02264 350125.
Hardware: CtttaM MQP40 24-p.n
printer, Audio engineer ♦ (50Mhz
stereo ♦ software) and Tniogic mono
ssamplers, sound-blaster. Software:
Protein V 5.0. DPaint III, Sonix.
distant. Suns, Amos VI. 3. Loads of
programming manuals. • Nek 0274-
621118.
GVP Quantum hard disk ♦ RAM card
52Mb fit A2000. 25Mhz 68030
accelerator with 4 Mb Dram GVP
A3001 Kit. XT Board 51/4 drive all
complete boxed £600. Many extras.
After 6pm. • 027664298.
Original Amiga software in great
condition Populous II £15. Jimmy
White's snooker £15. UTOPIA £14.
Alien breed £13. Wonderland 14.
Supermacy £14. » Stave on
Birmir^ham 021 743 9468.
Slow scan TV for the Amiga for sale .
8 sees. Ml . etc £145. Also cotourprt:
real time digitiser comp and &
VHStnputs plus PSU. £275. * after
6pm. Frank 0279 420755.
Yamaha electronic keyboard PSR 38
61 keys Midi out/in 5050 voices.
split, auto chord and keyboard
percussion. 24 accompaniment styles
manual, power adaptor, music book.
£190 ono. » 081 8708084. 081
87033034 after 9pm.
Amiga 600 hard drive. XETEC 65Mb
fast SCSI dnve with power supply.
8Mb Fast RAM. SIMM expansion
board populated wrth 2Mb. Boxed with
all manuals £300. For thrs essential
equipment * Dave 0793 7832563.
Amiga 500 1Mb RAM 1 3 extra
floppy dnve duat cover games, utilities
software every thing boxed as new
mint condition would swap for A1500
or £250 cash, w 0246 417807.
HAM-E H**aa 24 Bit graphics card.
Officially modified for use with
Genlock hardware. Cost £400 will sell
for £300 ono. » Robert on 0733
555888 ext 2251 office hours only.
QVP Impact vision £1200.00 with TV
Paint Rendale 8802 Genlock £350
Rendale 8802 Genlock £300 Sculpt
4D £100 imagtae £100. • Joe 0279
730020
Software: Spectrecotor. lights.
camera action. Ammagic, video tiUer.
ProwJeo companion. dig«Pa>m 3.
Kindwords. Still boxed. £25 each. For
info * St Albans 0727 868415
1 eftO AW'GA SHOPPER • ISSUE 1 6 • AUGUST 1 992
Ian Wrigley puts the new version
of SID under scrutiny, discovers a
new collection of first-rate fonts
as we// as picking out the best of
the latest PD and shareware
_ "Fri
by Tlmm Martin
U
Mh»t pr«fran do vow u»t t« I
LHAKC archived ft Its?
cont*nt» tf
<Bf fcurt to add tht ntcrftitry arguncnts to list
an irchtwt, such •* "t;lh*rc I".)
his month, I'm looking at
the new version of SID.
plus (of course) the best of
the PD and shareware
available at the moment. Strangely
enough, there seems to be a little
more software out there - strangely,
because normally summer Is the
'dead' time. Perhaps It's because of
the Interest generated by the new
A600 - or perhaps It's because
programmers are afraid of the sunl
Anyway, eyes down for a full
house of serious PD software...
Well, it's finally arrived. After a
one-and-a-half year wait, Timm Martin
|c:hWt If
NAM
SID 2.0% QukkPrefs program configures the main program and copies flies
Into the correct area of your system. Prompts suggest reasonable responses
to many of the questions
has managed to solve all the
problems with SID 2.0, and has
released the trial version to an eager
Amiga world. For those of you who
haven't come across version 1.06 of
""MMPJWMN
much RAM; Trial, which is the one
you'll find distributed on bulletin
boards and from PD houses, and
which is fully featured except that it
doesn't save any user preferences;
and Professional, which is the
version you'll get when you pay your
$25 shareware fee. It's registered in
your name, and allows you to save
preferences so that on launching it's
configured to your personal tastes.
SORTING OUT SID
To configure SID. you need to run a
program called QuickPrefs. which
asks a string of about 20 questions,
such as which text editor, graphics
viewer and so on you use. Then,
theoretically, all the correct files are
copied to the correct places on your
hard disk, so that the program will
launch automatically. Unfortunately,
the version I received (from the CIX
bulletin board) didn't seem to be too
interested in doing that, so I had to
specify the paths for things like the
help files myself. And I couldn't get
the program to run from its icon -
which uses the IconX program to
launch SID proper - because it was
desperately looking for a utility called
'brun'. which I don't appear to have
in my system.
Still, back to the Shell I went (a
little peeved now. but willing to be
impressed), and launched SID from
What is PD?
BEGINNERS
START HERE
PD Is a general
term which many people
incorrectly use to refer to all
freely-dlstrlbutaWe software. In
fact, PD (which stands for Public
Domain) software Is only one
branch of this area; the other
main one Is shareware.
Essentially. PD software may
be copied and used by anyone,
although some authors place
restrictions such as not allowing
a PD library to charge more than
a certain amount for the disk.
Shareware, on the other hand,
should be treated more like
commercial software. Although
you are allowed to copy and pass
around shareware programs, If
you like one then you should pay
the requested fee to the author -
It's normally only £15 or less, and
often entitles you to an upgraded
version or a printed manual.
Paying your shareware fees
encourages software authors to
write more
programs-and
If they don't, the
Amiga scene will be a poorer
place.
Can I pass other people copies of
PD?
Yea - that's the way that R gets
to a wide audience. Just make
sure that you have followed the
author's requirements for
distribution - normally that you
don't charge more than a certain
amount for the disk, or that you
make sure that all the
documentation is included on the
You can also pass on
shareware - but not any
registered copies of programs.
If, when you pay your
shareware fee, the author sends
you an Improved version of the
program, then be careful not to
give that out. Only pass on
unregistered shareware.
SID'S display Is... er... crowded, to say the least. And behind one set of
buttons, accessed by right clicking, is another set. All fully customisablo.
It's enough to scare the most techte of users
the program (why not?!). SID is the
de facto standard Amiga utility for
getting around your hard disk.
Although other programs have
appeared since SID first hit the
scene, many of which are superior in
one way or another. SID still has
thousands of devotees around the
world. Version 2.0 was written to
update the program and. according
to the author, to make it the ultimate
utility. So. the question is. does it
live up to that aim?
The program comes in three
different versions: Personal, a
compact version that contains the
basic features of the program but
that is designed for those with not
there. And then ran screaming from
the room. When you launch SID. you
realise just how many features have
been packed in. There are buttons
everywhere, and right-clicking on one
set of buttons reveals another set -
there apparently wasn't enough room
on a standard screen to fit them all
in.
Being one of those people who
don't read manuals unless
absolutely forced to do so. I
immediately launched in to the
program, clicking and seeing what
random commands from the menu
do. At least. I did for a few minutes.
(MfimdM pest 143
AMIGA SHOPMt • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1991
141
MIGA
ONLY
ULTIMATE PD
TEL: 0222 705044 (9am - 4pm)
ONLY 99P
PER DISK!
.
DEMO DISKS •
D264- Shark Animation (IMeg)
D278 - Madonna H:mk\ Pankv (PI
D240 - At The Mmi« (2 Meg)
D279 More Aerotoons ( 1 Meg) (P)
1)280- AmvV.S Walkei Anim
{ 1 Meg)
D294 - Lite 01 Ui inn (P) (2 disk?.)
D297 - Ami Lemmin Demo ( 2 Meg)
(2 disks)
D298 - Robocop Animation ( 1 Meg)
(P)
D300 - Silents: lec Demo
D254 - Virtual World (I Meg)
DI50 - Windsurfer Animation (P)
D315 - Mr Potato Head ( I Meg) (P)
D3I6 - Creature Comforts Demo
D3I8 - 3D Pinball Animation ( I Meg)
(P)
D001 -Walker I (I Meg)
D002 - Walker 2 f I Meg)
D003 - Walker 3 ( I Meg)
D004 - Cool Cougar ( I Meg)
DO 12 - Rebels Megademo
DO 14 - Space Ace Demo
D023 - Stealths 2 Anim (1 Meg)
D028 - Budbrain Mega Demo
(2 disks)
D047 - RAF Megademo ( 2 disks)
D045 - Arse Wipe Advert
D059 - Red Sector Megademo
(2 disks)
D062 - Red Sector Cebit 90
D077 - Good Morning Vietnam
D088 - Silents Megademo
D095 - Outsider Acid Demo
Dl 15 - Vision Mega Demo 4
D127-Chubbv Brown
D134-GarfiefdDemo
D147 - Neighbours Slideshow
D148- Viz Slideshow
D15I - Robocop 2 Slideshow
D 1 53 - Epic Game Demo ( I Meg)
DI58- Operation Vark
D160- Exodus Real 3D (I Meg)
D 1 63 - Probe Sequence
D164 - Slycath Amazing Demo Comp
D168 - Horizon Mega Demo
DI69 - Budbrain Mega Demo 2
D 1 76 - Jasper Carrot Demo
D184 - Dracons Lair 2 Demo
D185 Wrath Ol The Demon Demo
D187 - Batman The Movie Demo
D251 - Decaying Paradise Meg)
D264- Hardwired (I Meg)
D225 - Phenomena Enigma
(IMeg)
D231 - KGB Mega Demo (2 disks -
IMeg)
D237 - Silenis - Global Trash
D240 - Vic Reeves Demo ( 2 disks)
D241 - RavOI Hope ( 2 disks)
D247 - DMob Its A Lame Demo
D2B4 - Odvssev - Alcairaz (5 disks)
D312 - Anarchy - Seeing Is Believing
D325 - Hynautic Hammer
D327 - Greatest Demos Vol 1
D330 - Greatest Demos Vol 2
D333 -Greatest Demos Vol 3
D345 - It Came From The Desert
Demo
D346 - Harrv Meets A ST Owner
D347 - Shuttle Cock Animation
D354 - NASA Slideshow
D357 - KGB Mega Demo 2
D359 - Kefrens Guardian Dragon
D370 - Terminator 2 Slide Show
D379 - Naw Seals SlideShow
D388 - Track Ro Vectra
• MUSIC DISKS • m* UTILITIES •
M001 - SenousK Good Music 1
M002 Seriousl'v Good Music 2
M003 - Seriously Good Music 3
MOM -DMOB Music 2
MUI2 - DMOB Music 4 (2 disks)
M014- Rebel Megablast
MO 1 6 - Mieromix 2
M022 - Amiga Charts Mix 3
M029 - D-Mob Music 3
M023- Titan Trax I
M026 - Amiga Charts Mix 5
M029 - D-MOB Music 3
M034 - Arnie Swarzenaggar Total
Remix (2 disks)
M035 - Digital Concert 2
M036 - Digital Concert 3
M037 - Digital Concert 4
M038 - Digital Concert 5
M039 - Digital Concert 6
M040 - RAF Megamix I
M042 - Bat Dance Remix
M049 - Ben Elton (xxx)
M057 - DMOB Music 1
M081 - Flash 2 (disks)
Ml 02 - Debbie Gibsons Electric
Youth (2 disks)
M 114 - Betty Boo - Doing The Do
MI21 -Band Aid II (2 disks)
Ml 22- RAF Beat Thiz I
MI23-RAFBeatThiz2
Ml 24 -RAF Beat Thiz 3
M125 - RAF Megamix 2 (2 disks)
M 1 26 - Amiga Charts Mix 2
Ml 27 - Amiga Charts Mix 6
M 1 34 - Miami Vice Theme (4 disks)
M13o - Laurel And Haid> (2 disks)
M141 - JM Jarre - Definitive
M 1 43 - CD Player Demo ( 1 Meg)
M144- Flash! Queen (2)
M 1 59 - Techotronic Remix
M 1 6 1 - Crusaders Bacteria
Ml 83 - ScooPex Beast Sonix
MI57- Digital Concert 5 (VI)
M15I - Crusaders: Genesis
Ml 32 - Depeche Mode Mix Disk
M 1 56 - Seal Crazv Remix < I Meg)
Ml 85- I Think We're Alone
M 1 86 - Everybody Dance Now
M 1 87 - Doing The Do (Remix)
M 1 89 - Amazing Tunes ( 1 Meg) (3 disks)
M 1 90 - Move Any Mountain
M192-Charly Remix
Ml 93 - WhatCan You Do For Me?
MI94 - Bruno Music Box (2 disks)
M 195 - Manic Raves (2 disks)
Ml 99 -Star Trek Theme
M201 - Journey Into Sound
M203 - Loonev Tunes
M205-Vogue'CD Plavcr
M206 - Flashing Bvtes
M208 - Remember The Time (Remix)
M209 - Enjoy Live
M211 - Rave Around The Clock
M212 - Raver's Delight
M2I6 -Genesis
M217-Dirtv Digit Songs
M22S - Phil' Collins
M226 The Wall B\ Pink Floyd (6 disks)
M229 - Desire Lego Land
M230 - Manic Raves Remix
M234 - 808 State Remix
M24I - The Equiliser
M246 - Music Dream 2
M247 - Four Seasons
M248 - Flash Team Music
M249 - Move Any Mountain
M25I • Roger Ramjet
M253 - Crazv Loonev Tunes
M260 - Old Soul Remix
M265 - Stand Bv Me
M269-MvGirl
M271 - Simply Red-Stars (2 disks)
U001 - Sound Tracker Collection
( 3 disks)
U012 - Mega Utilities (175 utilities)
U024-SidCli Utility
U039 - Amibase V3.76
U042 - Front Disk
U043 - Kim Database
U059 - Clip Art
U062 - Ultimate PD Copiers +
Virus Killers Disk
U069 - Demolisher Utilities
U07I -D-Copy
U073 - Hard Disk Utilities
U074 - Easy Back Up And View 80
U075 - Pascal C Compiler
U078 - A500 + Utilities (For The
A500 -t-onlv)
U080-Turbotitle
U08I -S-Movie
U082 - Graphs
U083- Drawmap V3.1
U085 - RBase II V5
U086 - Text Engine V3
U025 - Sid VI 6
U09I - Opti Utilities 2
U093 - PCO Pascal
U094-M.U.KV2.I
U095 - Zerovirus + Bootx V4.30
U096 - ST Emulator
U098 - Amibase V3 6.7
U099- M-CAD
U10I - C Manual V2.00
UI03 - Iconmania
U104-Mess\sid 11
U 1 05 -Insanitv Tools
U106 -lmploderV4.0
U107-N-Comm V1.92I
U108- Amiga MCAD
UI09 - D Paint Cartoon Brushes
Ul 11 - D Paint Font Disks (4 disks)
Ul 12 • Ham Radio Utilities (5 disks)
Ul 13 - Programming Disk (2 disks)
Ul 17 - Sound Applications (2 disks)
Ul 19 - Video Applications (2 disks)
U128- The Comms Disk
U129 - D- Paint Clip Art ( 2 disks)
U130 • Video Graphics (4 disks)
U132- Genealogy (1 Meg)
U066 - C-Light (1 Meg)
U 1 35 -New Super Killers
U138 - Electrocad VI. 4 Demo
U 139 -Spectra Paint V3.0
U140 - Language Tutor
U145 - Database Master 2.0
U146 - Dynamite Brush Fonts
UI47 - Tcxtplus Word Processor
U149-MedV3.IO
U151 -DiceV2.06A
U152 - Pageselter Clip Art ( 8 disks)
U154 - Night Fivers Utilities IV
U 1 56 - Vector ball Editor ( 1 Meg)
U157- Antivirus V3. 14
UI58- Kids Paint
Ul 59 -Text Engine
U160- Windows Bench
U16I - PDS Uilities Nol Printing Utilities
U163-NCommeV1.921
U 1 64 - Work Bench 2+ Work Station
U 1 65 - Video Screens
UI67 - Cursor Basic Compiler
UI68 -JRCommVI.02
U17I - Super C. Commands
U172-P. Suite VI. 4
U173- The Ripper Guide
U174 - Jam Ripper V1.7 Jam Cracker VI
U175 - Beatrix Potter Clip Art
UI77 - Thief Sound Ripper V3.0
U178 - Faulty Towers Samples
U179- News' Flash 21
U183 - Swag No 4: Fractals
U184- Little Bench
U185 - Plotting ♦ Graphics: Plot-X-Y
• GAMES • h
Ul86-Draw MapV3 I
GU01 - Star Trek 3 (2 disks)
G006 - Breakout Construction Kit
G008 - Board Games (Monopoly etc)
G014- Buck Rogers
G015-StarTVek(3disks, 1 Meg)
G0I6- Tennis (1 Meg)
G020 - Train Set
G024 - Pipeline
G026 - Treasure Hunt
G03 1 - Drip!
G033- Jeopard (1 Meg)
G034 - Dragon Cave
G037 - Seven Tiles
G038 - Pom Pom Gunner
G043 - Menial Image Games Disk
G056 - Strategy Games
G057 - Simpsons Game
G059-BionixII(l Meg)
G062-AticAtac(i Meg)
G065 - Battle Pong ( 1 Meg)
G066 - Frantic Freddie
G068-AirAceII
G069 - Down Hill Challenge
G070 - Llamatron
G07 1 - Sky Flyer
G074 - Revenge Of Mutant Camels
G075-Jetman
G077 - Asteroids
G078 - Twintris
G079 - Card Games
G080 - Battle Cards
G081 -Mind Games 2 1
G083 - Sword Of The Warlock
G084 - Solitaire
G086 - Scramble
G087 - Dungeon On Nadroj
G088 - Roval Boulder Dash
G090 - Sub Attack
G092 - Mega Ball
G093- Air Warrior
G095 - Super Skoda Challenge
* SPECIAL *
OFFERS
UNBRANDED
BLANK DISKS
38p EACH
DISK BOXES
3.5" Cap 10 99p
3.5- Cap 40 £4.00
3.5" Cap 80 £6.50
Mouse Mat £2.99
1000 Disk Labels...£9.99
512K Memory Upgrades
With Clock £32.50
Without Clock £28.50
We also stock Fred
Fish disks 1-596 &
T-Bag 1-59
Please make cheques and postal orders payable to:
Ultimate PD.
Pte Ultimate PD Mag - Catalogue disk is availahle
ji-r 7$p nr fr*e with arder*. nf 2 di\k>> >>r
more.
PLEASE SEND ORDERS TO:
ULTIMATE PD
4 PLAS PAMIR, PORTWAY MARINA
PENARTHCF6 1BT
TEL: 0222 705044 (9AM - 4PM)
All disks are 99p each, some titles are on more
than I disk.
Please add 50p p&p to the total order
European orders please add SOp per disk and
the rest of tin world add 75p per disk
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«TT7fTorv"
Alt clicking on a button In SID brings up a Requester where you can edit
things like the colour, name and function that the button performs
directory window. This is mentioned
in the on-line help, but since you're
unlikely to ever access help for the
Parent button - it's pretty self-
evident what it does - you may never
find the feature.
I have to admit that I was never a
great fan of the onginal SID; It
always seemed to me that there
were far more features than I
needed, while the ones that I did
want weren't Intuitive or easy to use.
Version 2.0 of the program
introduces even more features, and
even more customisability. If you
liked the original, you'll love it.
Personally, I'll stick to FileMinder
(reviewed last month). The 'Program
coataved fro* poet 141
until I realised that the only way to
have any chance of getting the most
out of the program was to sit down
and plough through the
documentation. Hmmm... what
documentation?
In terms of actual help files.
there doesn't seem to be much
documentation about. However, the
program has an excellent on-line help
facility which just about makes up for
this. Hitting the Help key provides
general help (as does selecting the
Help menu option), while holding
Control down while clicking on any
button brings up context-sensitive
help on what that button does.
BUTTON BANKS
All buttons are totally configurable:
iust hold down the Alt key while
clicking and a requester appears,
asking you to specify Just what the
button does. There are two 'banks',
each with fifty buttons, so even
power users shouldn't run out of
room.
Configuring is easy: for example,
If you don't have a hard drive named
dh3:, but you have a floppy df2:, Alt-
click on the DH3 button, select
'Dirioad' as the command to be
performed - explanatory text that
this means "load specified directory"
appears to help you - and select
directory df2:. Finally rename the
button and click OK. Simple. You
can even define keyboard shortcuts
for each of the buttons, if you're
happier with the keyboard than the
mouse.
The menus are frightening In
their complexity; seven of them, each
with a multitude of entries. However,
again, by holding down the Control
key as you select a menu item you
access the context-sensitive help
which describes exactly what the
consequences of making this choice
will be.
There's no denying that SID 2.0
is powerful. Unfortunately, it's also
very complex, and on-line help is no
substitute for a detailed
D On-Line Help
is
verify
directory:
aq specifies whether you want to
the deletion of each selected
No Verify
Deletes selected directories without
verification.
Verify
Displays a requester before deleting each
directory to verify that you want to
delete that directory.
A
V
OK
Holding down the Control key while you select a menu Item brings up a
Requester with details about what the menu Item actually does
documentation file. There are stacks
of hidden features in the program,
and if you don't know how to access
them, context-sensitive help isn't
much use. For instance, although
there is a 'Parent' button to take you
one step up in the directory tree, you
can perform the same action by
clicking just to the left of the
rating' for this program reflects my
personal tastes, so you may well not
agree with my views. But SID 2.0 is
just too complex for someone who
only uses a file navigation program
as a means to an end. and not as an
end in itself. The lack of proper
documentation doesn't help, either.
Program rating 6/10
There are two main ways to get hold of Amiga PD and shareware: from a
bulletin board or from a PD library.
The advantage of using a bulletin board is that often the latest software
Is uploaded as soon as It's available. On the down side, you need a modem
to connect, and you'll have to pay phone charges (and sometimes a
connection fee to the bulletin board as well).
There are a growing number of bulletin boards with a wide range of Amiga
software available for download. Check out 01-for Amiga (071 377 1358)
and the Cheam Amiga Bulletin Board {081 644 8714). Another good option
is joining CIX (the Compulink Information exchange), which not only has
Amiga software but also contains conference and file areas on a wide range
of subjects, from politics to scuba diving, biking to Science Fiction. Many of
the Amiga Shopper writers have accounts on CIX. so you can get first-hand
advice on your problems, too. For more details, call CIX on 081 390 8446
(voice) or 081 390 1255 (modem).
If you don't want to use a bulletin board, the other way to get PD
software Is from a PD house. Many advertise in Amiga Shopper, and you'll
find a comprehensive list of names and addresses at the end of this article.
Expect to pay between 99p and about £2.50 per disk - there's often a
discount if you buy in bulk, too.
«J$*™
RATING THE
PROGRAMS
Just to be awkward, I use two
different ratings systems. If I'm
reviewing a single program, I
give a 'Program rating' at the
end. If, on the other hand, I'm
looking at a disk full of utilities
or something along those lines,
you'll And a 'Value for money'
rating at the end. Marks are out
of 10.
UTILITIES
FILE & HD
MANAGEMENT B
PD Soft disk V574
Following on from last month's
review of a great utility disk from PD
Soft which contained the FileMinder
program mentioned above. I received
File & HD Management Disk B. which
contains more programs designed to
ease the trials of actually using hard
and floppy disks and keeping control
of your files.
This disk contains four programs:
ATCopy. DosControl, PCExecute and
PrFonl
• AtCopy
ATCopy is a demo version of a
commercial program, which
"Replaces the Commodore Amiga
Janus-Software-Parcel commands
ARead' and 'AWnte'.'
"DosControl wins a
place on my hard
disk for its archive
support.."
The documentation has been
translated from the German by
someone whose English leaves a
little to be desired, but it appears to
be a program which enables files to
be copied between the Amiga and an
XT or AT PC emulator card. It should
work on an Amiga 1000, 2000.
2500 or 3000 with such an emulator
installed. Since my A500 Plus
doesn't really fit those criteria. I
moved swiftly along...
• DosControl
DosContol is another German
program, and is (yet another)
directory utility, a la SID.
DosControl was written by Uwe
Brosch, and since the menu comes
tonlmued on poge 145
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
143
For a fast, reliable but foremost friendly service.
AMIGA PD
1-9 disk* £1 20
10- 15 disks 99p
15+ 90p
FREE PROGRAMS
Order 10 get l FREE
Order 20 get 2 FREE
Order 25 ^ci 3 FREE
061 370 9115
No minimum order.
All orders sent out
the same day.
AMOS
GAMES
APD014 IFF Pics Nol (Brtlll *
GA008 Pipeline ♦
APD03 1 Screen Designer ♦
GA030 Tennis*
APD033 Pink Goes Ape +
GA067 Truckln (2 disks)*
APD036 Aniin 1 3 Update ♦
OA086 Assassins 1-20*
AJ>D101 Auto Player Vi. 10 +
GA180 Star Fleet ♦
APD123 Deadline ♦
GA182 Killer Cars*
ATD205 R.DrawVlMS*
GA204 Chess Tutor II ♦
A1'L)303 Utter Busters *
CA205 A500* Games Pack
APD329 Fruit Machine II +
GA207 Cora Sharp *
UTILITIES
UT046 Pcndlc Europu
UT051 AmlbascV3.78
tm>57 Afr4 Emulate
UTI 1 4 ASS Menumakcr
UTI45 Vujiue Luis (brill)
UT179CU Tutorial*
trilMO Video (iraphlr^
13 Ulsk.sl
UT214 Amateur Radio
(6 Disks)
UT237 Work Bench 2
IA500*| only
UT253 D-Copy 2
MUSIC
M UO 1 7 Digital Concert
(2 to 61
MU02SStar Trekker
MU034yun-iiU Disks)
MU055 Pro Tracker V2.00
MU072 Mozarts Flute
Concerto
MU077Puma Tracker (Brill)
MU058 Mozart |2 Disks)
MU054 EFX Music Creator
GRAPHICS
001 M-Cad
003 Print Studio ♦
005 Clip-Art I to 13*
Original set uncut
024 Colour Fonts (5 disks)*
028 Walt Disney Clip-art*
033 Graphics Utlla *
BUSINESS
BU004 Clerk (Brill) ♦
BU005 Genealop ♦
BU007 Bankln ♦
BU016 Text Plus V3.0O*
BU019 Anarytlcak- V2.00 ♦
BU021 AmleashV1.0+
BU025 House Hold
Inventory ♦
BU026 Textcrmine *
Ell 031 BBase (Database)*
SETS
SPD001 B«0nnrr»M5 daks -£5.801
SPD002 BqQnnm 2.(5 dttks- £580)
SPD003 Hip Art 1 14 .links - £4 60)
SPO004 Clip Art 2 (4 disks £4 W)
SPDOOS Gwnnl..(9dtoks- £9.001
SPD006 Games 2.. (5 daks £9.00)
SPD007 Clip-Art 3 (4 dlks £4.60)
SPDOOS EDI 14 disks - £4.60)
SPDOOS ED2 (4 disks - £4.60)
SPDOIO Ed/Srl 114 disks •£4.601
SPD01 1 But 1 (6 disks - £6.80)
WE STOCK OVER 2400
DISKS
Including Scope, Macro
and Topic.
StarTronics
4 Arnold Drive.
Drovslden. Manchester
M35 6RE sassssV
ACCESSORIES
Large Mouse Mats ..£3.50
Squlk Mouse £17.50
DISK SPECIAL OFFER
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lonilnued fro* poge 143
up with the moooogo DosControl
v3.1 DEMO'. I con only ossumc
thai it's shareware. However, it will
ink** someone with h better grasp of
the German language than me to get
much further than that all the
documentation is in German, as ore
rniiM ni the commands on HM
buiwris ana in the menus. Its a
thame, too - this program has a lot
going tor It. For example, buttons
allow you to choose what information
about a file is displayed in the
standard window: date, time, size,
attributes and so on. Then there are
menu items which provide Amiga to
PC (and vice versa) file translation -
presumably removal of extraneous
carriage returns and so on - and,
most usefully, a menu which enables
you to access your favourite archiving
program from within DosControl. Just
select the files you want to archive,
choose 'Lharc Packen' from the
Archive menu, choose a filename for
the archive, and the program handles
the rest (assuming you've got the
relevant archiving program in your c:
directory, of course). Archivers
supported are Zoo. LHArc and Arc,
and DosConfro/wins a place on my
hard disk for this feature alone.
There are other, supposedly
more sophisticated programs about
which provide archiving routines with
a Workbench front-end, but all I (and,
I suspect, most people) want to be
able to do is create, extract and list
archives - no more, no less.
Congratulations to Uwe for spotting
the user desire and doing something
about it.
If only DosControl were in
English, and if only it didn't (very
occasionally) crash my Amiga. I'd be
able to recommend it without
reserve. As it is. try it out - you may
be able to live with its foibles, and
It's certainly easier to use than SID.
• PCExecute
Third up is PCExecute, by Peter
VorwerK, which apparently "allows
you to send a command to an XT/ AT
board without opening the PC
window." As with ATCopy. my setup
doesn't include such a board, so the
program's not much use to me...
• PrFont
Finally, PrFont, by Joel Swank, is a
$10 shareware program which
searches your Amiga for any fonts in
the fonts: directory, draws a line of
text in each of them and then dumps
the screen to the printer. This would
be useful as a reference, especially
if you have got a lot of fonts installed
- glancing at a printout is far easier
than trying three or four fonts until
you find the one you were looking for.
I say would, though, because the
program refused to dump anything
[BfiT:
nou
III
FFT
Ctctr
Oev
PSeltct
HCn| Read
Delete
HovrUp | Rtnant
Invers | Updit* | Protect
Dirlcon) Editor
find Print
Hprint | HjnProgj
Conn»nt| Show PrDir ( Pro$rjn|
Biiitu
J
DosControl Is another S/D-allke. but has some Interesting and useful new
features. Simple buttons allow you to select whether files are viewed by date
of creation, time of creation, file size, number of blocks used and so on.
Shame It's all In German though!
out to my Canon BJlOex. I
experimented with a couple of
different drivers, but I had no joy at
all. Owners of other printers may (or
may not) be luckier.
All in all, this disk doesn't really
live up to the standard set by Disk A,
reviewed last month. However,
DosControfs neat features may well
sway you, and there's probably
something of interest here if your
Amiga has a PC emulation card
installed.
Value for money 6/10
Now that DTP on the Amiga is finally taking
off, with the release of much improved
versions of the two main Amiga DTP
packages - Professional Page and
PageStream - the demand for high-
quality fonts has increased. To this end,
EM Computergraphic has released
several volumes of PD and shareware
fonts. Many of the fonts are taken from
the PC and Macintosh arenas, where Type 1
PostScript fonts are the 'norm'. The fonts have
been converted on to Amiga disks, and come with
preview files which display a sample of the font on-
screen.
The font library consists of four volumes, totalling 20
disks, containing 281 different fonts.
These fonts can be used directly from PageStream, version 2.1
or above, and from Professional Page 3.0 after they have
been converted with the FontManager utility.
Of course, as with all font collections,
some are better than others; and
because these fonts are PD
and shareware, you
should not
expect the kind of
quality that fonts from a
company such as Adobe will exhibit
However, having looked at a range of the
fonts offered. I must say that I'm quite impressed; by
and large the quality is perfectly good enough for anything
except top-quality publishing - and some of the fonts would stand
comparison with any similar commercial versions.
Some of the fonts are PD. while others are shareware - it's up to the
purchaser to check for any 'Read me' files containing details of shareware
fees. However, these are clearly flagged, with conspicuous icons, so there's
no excuse for ignoring them.
Shown here are screengrabs of fonts from Volume 6, disks 1 and 2 (the
whole of Volume 6 contains 5 disks, and costs £12.50). For full details of
available fonts, contact EM Computergraphics at 8 Edith Road. Clacton on
Sea. Essex C015 LIU; phone 0225 431389.
Value for money ...9/10
"«R
e*
ae*
=sss
s*
.
^mmm
CRUISE WORD 1.2
From PD Majlk
v 0603 628906
Cruiseword is a word processor
written in AMOS by J Lucas, who
requests a £7 shareware fee.
Unfortunately, as it stands I can't
really say that it's worth the sum
asked for.
As regular readers of Amiga
Shopper will know, we reviewed three
PD or shareware word processors a
couple of issues back, and sadly
Cruiseword doesn't really measure
up to any of them. Its one advantage
is a built-in spelling checker, but
"/n my test
printouts, some of
the text managed to
disappear.,
//
••
even that is limited - there is no
support for users to add words to the
dictionary, so you're stuck with the
one provided.
The program has a few basic
features, such as automatic word
wrap, six predefined macros ("Yours
sincerely", "To whom it may concern"
and some others - ideal for all the
lazy typists amongst you), adjustable
left and right margins, insert or
overtype and the ability to
enbolden. italicise and
underline text.
However, none of
these features works
particularly well, and
indeed on my test
printouts, some of the text managed
to disappear from the printed
version - not a good sign.
The idea of integrating a
spelling checker into a
word processor is a good
one - it's high time more
Amiga PD word processors had this
feature - but Cruiseword really does
need some more work before this
benefit will outweigh the program's
faults. The author claims to be
working on a faster spelling checker,
larger dictionary and mail merging
facility. Personally, I'd rather see
some basic enhancements like a
Quit option (you have to re-boot the
Amiga to leave the program) and an
underline facility which doesn't
underline the blank space at the
beginning of each line.
Sorry, but this really isn't up to
scratch at present. However. I look
to version 1.3 (to be released later
this year), when hopefully some of
these complaints will have been
addressed.
Program rating 4/10
«
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
145
g
PUBUC DOMAIN
jJ'JlilD
It's A
bout
% ye- Bye
C on figure
It's
A
This should give some idea of what the
Electronic Baby Book is like. If you've
bought a real book like this, you'll love
the computerised version. But then,
you probably like Terry and June, too...
CLASSIX 1
Aardvark PD
w 0509 210157
Classix 1 is a collection of four tunes
by Bach, arranged by Rob Baxter and
produced using the Aegis Sonix
program. The disk is auto-booting,
and tunes are played by hitting one
of the function keys.
Rob is obviously a bit of a Bach
enthusiast, and his explanatory
notes on the music, and Bach
himself, are interesting and
informative.
The sounds used to play the
music are reasonable - the proud
boast is that no digitised sounds are
used - although I don't know what
Bach would think about some of
them. Certainly the instruments used
to play the Fugue from the Toccata
and Fugue in D Minor are interesting
and work well, but the pipe organ
sound for the Toccata is a little
"No digitised
sounds are used in
Classix 7 - f don't
know what Bach
would think of
them...
//
ropey. And talking about that
particular piece, I have to say that
some of tho sections did seem to be
played at quite exceptional speed -
rather faster than was originally
intended. I think!
The four pieces are sections of
tho Brondonburg Concertos numbers
3 and 4. the Prelude and Fugue
number 7 and, of course. Toccata
and Thing in D whatsit. Each tune
Bo Imr* M «h*w' 1 1*K
£ l FOkW^
Time of Birth
ilo*.pitKl
Cfcy
rVwn
Bue-Bue
Enter the name and vital details of
your offspring, and you can
blackmail them In the years to come
takes 30 seconds or so to load, and
can be interrupted by hitting the
Escape key at any time. The four
tunes are each fairly long, and the
disk certainly represents a fair few
basic, and allows only 300
transactions per file, but should
prove useful to anyone who really
wants to justify the purchase of their
computer because "it will help me do
my home accounts."
The program is a two-screen
affair; clicking the right mouse button
cycles between the two screens. One
is a listing of all the transactions, the
other has several buttons which
allow you to actually
enter the
transactions. They
are labelled with
things like 'Interest',
'Direct Debit'.
'Cheque deposit'
and so on: click on a
button and the
program asks you for
the date, details and
amount of the
transaction and then
adds it to the list.
There are some things that the
program won't do which reduce its
usefulness. For starters, it doesn't
put the transactions in date order.
So if you forget a transaction until
you've entered others with later
dates, you're stuck with the rogue
one appearing in the wrong place.
L_ Continue
B1/1 7/9?
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The Inventory section of Home Manager is fine - as long as your Amiga isn't
stolen that is!
minutes' listening.
Rob has clearly spent a lot of
time on this disk, and I would
encourage him to keep on with his
efforts. The Brandenburg Concerto
Number 3 in particular was well done
- but do keep the freakier sounding
instruments to a minimum. Rob!
Value for money 6/10
AMICASH 1 .0
PD Soft disk V630
AmiCash was written in AMOS by
Keith Grant, who asks that a
shareware donation be paid if you
use the program. It's a basic home
accounts package which the author
says is for those of us who are
forever losing track of how much we
(don't) have in the bank. It's fairly
11
U*rk |
And editing the transactions is a little
fiddly.
On the plus side, you can print
out the list just by pressing a
function key, and the lack of too
many features means that beginners
to the Amiga won't get too confused.
All in all. AmiCash is a simple
program, to perform a simple task.
I've always thought that people who
need a computer to cope with their
home accounts should simplify their
accounting system, but maybe that's
just me.
Program rating 6/10
THE ELECTRONIC BABY
BOOK
PD Soft disk V658
This really has to be one of the most
nauseating programs I've ever come
across. On the other hand. I know
people who will be delighted with it -
it takes recording your baby's details
into the computer age.
You get some idea of what the
program will be like when the
"/f your first
thought is 'Isn't that
cute?' you should
continue the
program or seek
psychiatric help."
opening screen appears. If you start
gagging immediately, now would be a
good time to switch the computer off
and go to the pub. If. on the other
hand, your first thought is "Aaahh.
Isn't that cute?," then you should
either continue through the program
or seek psychiatric help.
Basically, the Electronic Baby
( oni mved M poge 1 4S
i D
n ftiJHMi
Mu«lt
S o ** •* on*
7*i char v
Home Manage?* Address Book section is as fully-featured as some stand
alone address book programs, and offers about everything you might want
\AA AMIGA SHOPPER •ISSUE 16 •AUGUST 1992
CUT, TICK & POST... CUT, TICK & POST
Telephone or Fax Hotline (0702) 466933
PD Soft (AS16) 1 Bryant Ave, Southend-on-Sea, ESSEX, SSI 2YD
AMOS & FRED RSH DISKS
JX AP013I
Aral
Osk Amy*!
VA«o*»timimcfi
I j* vw riAY ft read ttl * lumMmwwmmmm
| progrom* tortheuMe* ^^oWi
jjf V* RSH TANK SMUUTOt A pr ogrom Hat
IMTUUkAUIllJlJLUlUU; V5UU*V UtWUlQ
JTVlt WO*D WPWMT * AMKM Wt^ CvnHjir*
Uin yoOOwufODajfiufcwuntoionUciiOOou
Jff V41 pPAWf AWTC9OOfcn»tood»0*pWtvr»to'y9W
fcU UV!^> tfUUllJ WIN- 1UH J\ II III I flflJt L>tMllMT
Sf V48 TV A MDFO GflAPUtt (II Forked wrth
ImfUrtW YP** °* flfaptW utyUn FmI, 9ijA«H nn *f f
[nuure ft pwtt * Own tte xtwr ft MuU) Mure
jr vu vno production m Hnm rw*t m
[PoOubU wffti r»Jvu A G**4la> uehtun
I j* VWf PWNT STUWO txc*«ent tor pnntng ptdurAS
lex text An exteAent program lor rj printer ownurs
[ jr VW AUSTC* VWU& KUH Wus Checker & Kite
options Includes search dfet
I j vm THI IMUATORI Ormt vanous format*
^chrelucteCPW •MPC4ST tequre ? dr*«s
: vm MJLMCMJP H) An mntmM Hard dak
ram Bodaiodiof anf panoft«<^«
fctMtC MTVKHiMOt interchange
[graphics Befcveen Alan Sl/PC Oophte to tie £mgo
jpf WW 0OKMUTW vlt Copes Htt from one drU
to another OtSKSAlV Cor-«n & ripm
| VIAl TDCTPUA VW5IOH SO This dn* a not (uf an
i but compter Ww rtord processor
[ rf V242 OUnJCAnON ft ftACXUT: StMT
iDuper Jurbo copy. San*r copy ft PCopv Pom new
[copers to bockup your ong*nati lor roe fceepng
1 V277 rOKTHAN-77 vl »c Compter, inker & run
ft support library F470
■ VJTf CPOS5WO«D OKATOt A program itiot
kreowsaossworch UPDA'ED VHSON
\jX V2M MCAO PHOOMM The Ob»ect Drawing
Progrom lor the ArrMQ w CAD
Jf V2U EDUCATIONAL : TVHNO TUTOH A Vnple
rVP'^B ***** measures you* speed on ihe keyboard
t Wl NOffTH C v)3 0) Tfo mosl famous C
•hp Arnoo [nc ludes al Met required
[ jyVtfi rn or the IhhouW mwt took mc
I production Bockground Man S^cMQV & Sokjhon
V304CKAOSSTWW5iACKMWTiOOKirr
Imtoducnon Background Maps 9ra«egy ft Sotutton
SCNE v3 125 Lastesi version tf »te Fornix
t program Pt^wwed w OJ Anngo
V32S WMLIKMC OTMO MIT 0) ThB o fte
I sn«er prarjrom to dole on the Arngo
HUOt»SnOnt«(teart
32 port fen* I* Port to* vector *** «ar kMi & must
iJDir^Lomo fc the dwlttrw Troopers
■ VU2 AMIGA PUNT HKMMM Prec»ci *^h
I rx«e w* vm w* tws hon* pre* ten program
I VUI WNVOIMa «M The is t^e Laiesi ww
I the AM (mutator disk e*^e an MS Dos Ask
I jr vwf sncntuM emuutcni data ook i
[ArJiwiure Classics needs v?16 or v443
j V340 TSft V*CTO» 0CHQNHI The ****** Boiws
[presnets *he ^B vector designer vl-l This progrom w»l
creoie Wed vector obiecis, line vectors ft Bobs
Jf V341 CUP AITT COUKTKW 2: EigM more disks
liulry pocked wifhexceftent^l^.iri (f)
[ j* V350 tUSMCSS CAM) MAKBI D«*gn your own
us^ess cards on the Amiga
I jx V3S4 FRtKOPY Removes protocled gomes copy
Ipoteclk^solhoflheuwrontrW
I VJ45 RED SCCTO* MOOIA1S iMUSIC) : Various
[music modules for use wrth itw RSI Demo Maker
I i^V344 400 tUSWBSlfTTWS There ore over 600
[Standard busness letters on this ifcsk Can be used as
Itoer are. or Insert some pans nto your os*n ierterv»erf
V3« THI DO* TOP PUtUSHUG PtOOtAM ^
lamigoPDDMk Top PuWttNng program includes
[ Yonous extra lerjures over the o*ff Word processor letf
I tdeor r OropnKS edior & toads more
* V3W amicash MMHN The beaJ banbn program
I i haw ever used on the Amigo easy controls
i A program ttf <fro*s
ithecaWlemo** (*e»«e*Ucn
I jr W01 WKMNMCH WO CD An Mtftml Work
|Derxftirepkx«ryntlorc*vi 3u»rs Recomended
V4w n>s tmi/no nq i r«HnNO ununes
lOTvpe PPShow ABK) View Toy Pnni FASTffT. A
[program tof Desi^et SCO us«r% you ware to me tie
[raMjion enhanced graphic s* OWMnl I .
| Jf V413 IKMMMCH 7 ft WOW STATION Tn % ft
|rotiu^anoiherwartt>ench clone ITsacoiectonol
I wtlh Ihe WorUvnch ttwme (2]
(CM V415 VKWO SCHfNS I [Mcetartbock ground
[ p^tures tor video prmXiitK»r*wOfi NKfbcxidtopS
! _iX V4T7 SumtSBCH ft EXTRAS f2) An excellent re-
IplocemGnl dKk wrth mnrr> *itilit«»s ihon the ongmoi WB
oWttO CURSOR ftASK COMPUR Compile any
[ Amiga Basic program wllh this ufMy dnk
|jV423CCOrWAA r^ STI^(>skor*r^wi^Lrt>lil^
|wh<h can be used *i Siortup sequences
[jtfV424POSinUTBNol»UMMilnckid».Antt-
* progrom vnd to stop tie ftcker to Hgh Res ST
I Emui^er Program to turn your amino into on 5T
L* V43i imtlooct h.O Kvfam V sue tor soioge
Ion hard dnves our your own colectton Alto
_jr V433 AMMATON STUDIO An nceAenl Arwncflon
CTWOf tor yrx to moke your own
jrv43t amtoac mammi i Tro rraxoi a *m
kmomt rraurilrjr*Arrip&anctaQOT&«at
[mi aprjR gf n» l RWMao unn wnumrfvBs
Isorn? $JTi& & w fTorecop0* d fit wr tveuy^ tie
I ^pdrjed leaiure is < now has sound ab**y
t V444 MMIW MMRUPOAK MK ■ Now
rtrjns rfistoxfconon how to nsJol tiem Al previous
[drivers reluded on ihrs dak Over 90
Y«8 JKOMH vl.n tuo o Ac wren vo w ol
• excettnl modem bus*?0 icimpuier program
| J V463 SUPW C: COMMAND! The disk IS no* as W
[as some often bt * < omes with tul Insfruslton
BV47SP«jmv1.4Ai.JUt„ H .,.lnr- i ^IM
Mi o smplf) word pr w«w P-Oraw ft P- Render
SV479 OCSS ft CHESS UTWTB A coteefvon ol
ss related Puzzles, Programs & UMM tes
| j V4M AOVTTUK «ntuflOMi t21 Anntier onnd
I^nUnrtion ol ortvonhiw cnluton* tor voriotjs games
I JV V489 AMAASC PtOffSSIONAl I the Otefl
I updated version ol he excefc*ni Daiabose progam
(now ndudes various e*cekni rw>w toafcires
L^V4WMBSYS«)ITrMrtthektestwroon Rw4l
|f*od W&Oos (faks and (ranMr any tort Wes to & from he
PC dsk / Your Armgo So you can do work on an AM or an
Arrego and swop *»d between Ihem
jr V4t3 MSKie<H 0) Tho a an
|f>w\U3n.it :cvtoVT>a4rtiei3pcvJuiueiei
iCVMtAfl
of dp art tor any DTP program or Opart
*»H»Ofl*«xhSdmonl2
.JHOmaocfcer rutortComposer sound manior.
[Noa*^oea^er. StarMfcker Oefca sound sysiwn
[owl vwvaker ft Nonepocker
f V4f* STA« CHAITT vl i Thais an e«elent sto
l program wth some mtetfng lerAm
I _m VSOt AMD v3 2 Th* n anottei ««dctfe to he
ItJhmate sound rnuw Edtor i
ur V«1 5 n< AAA HOCAGf ^? ffl A very
revnniete C M Emuk*V Aclualy runs kWer thai 64
Runs64baw. Trara»ers data from your original 64
dSk drtM w*i a shareware lead
jpr VS17 VDCO ft AMM | VWO»A program
tor kw*p*n Irock on your wdto lope coledtons inAP
ynu ploy Large Anjms on wnoll Mem mochinei
JX VSU IMAG< LAI Performs manv Hh<ts from
»*mpU c^wajmg lo lotf tourie' Iranflorms Took On
Tap, ::«m!Ui)es cukMbur^&gruvliorgenerafeon
JX V3tt snu^TOM 1/vM la creuie avw Hie
mMer Qiophic inserts kke the 90 clock news
UX VS20 CRAPHKS | AORAPK Creates cotourfuM
pto. bar and Sine graphs PKftASC Oiiowi reduced
vorwn* of nil vo*ir fti p^mroc •* Pequ^os V522
j* VS21 PiOTHNG ft GluVMKS PIOTXY, A
powerlul M tootured Wottmg prog PIANS. A
computor aided drahng prog M Requires VS22
jr V522 AflP V1.3 : Conman vl A Motes many
*rvprunemer» to Anna0os& makes your sysiem
tfOs«touse r<kjdes\4 users developers gurdt
jr VS23 OKt C COMMA (2) Mait^w Dions U
&ured pcrwer\l C cwrpiir & enrerjmenr wyjem
jf VS23 1MB MAOR vU An excetent r>ik
prming program w«h vanous rww toaMes
JT V529 mCm ft SOAFT M Tiw 44 Oectti
scWpi 4fl ir^^ a— *o« Cortour 4d t VOen ft ftawno
jr V530 iUOGCT A program to help monmng
personal finances The <s a update to dtofc VZBO
JT VS34 CATAUXW UltmS A colecton ol u*tt
used to CrJrJogue <fafc/ Video/ Tape cciec%om CD
jf VS43 D« STATION CB An eueKent workbench
teptrxemenf wth bull r uWes kkt S<1 and rthers
JX VS44 WDS PAINT A parting program dtvgned tor
chejren Inciodes vanous colours and speech
j* VS49 ELKTlOCAD vl.4 Anoher Updated on
fie cod drawmog pfenew wrtnen n Amos
j V350 KCFRENS POWB UTWTW NewTopaz.
Power fonts, rreoto, [d*t or change any 8x6 or 16x16
fonts Window. Change We ol dos windows
j VSS4 LSI. MUSIC MOOUUS 2/3 Another
selection ot mus*c from Red S^c'jun (21
SV5S4 ttD SCCTOft HtLP OtSK AnoTher drsk to
lp you use the Red Sector Demo Creator
j VS40 DUPUCATWN ft tACKUP I A colecMn ol
rcparstkeor'tQaCopy Cudw apt Pcopy fcjntcopr
JX VS47 PWNT» DAfVBr G€N»ATOtS A SileclW
oruiliei v^» «wa vaMrt N*» Onver Genvalvs
jX VS69 CXJNG^ON MASTIR MAPPtR A Metool
ihot CTectes mops of oungeons lor^l e^entuoty towns;
wt«f> can be used bv o DM tor use *\ a AOU> game
JTVS70 0«BWMESUTUTB DffWOKvVSL
{xceienj He copw s^njrj to dakmasler ft Srf but
comons more oommondj to hand Becommend
j* V571 WHOM I v2 02 ■ An updrM to tv Or Wio
dotobaseprogram Grresdnb on D> Who progs
Jf V573 FU ft HARO 0«M AUNAO£M€NT [2)
HDCUCK v20, A program selector to make Hard
desk Menus Stots wiri gadgets HI MtCOC UWty tor |
nartrjnmHts&Dfectortos OOSCONna.Toolhrj
Lomomes ne LrKtionoW* cri many seprjrale tooK
jX V575 HOM£ BUS»«SS PACK |6| An eueAent
selecnon of uMAes based on word processing. Data
Management Spread SheMi AecdunkA Pmtag
JK VSftl POS PRNTMO No 3 : PMNT» DRMRS.
HP Desuel 500 & S00 Colour. Conon BJK>e. BJ130
fl)300. Ne<24p f Oki24p. 39p. Sfar24p ( PanasonK;9
Se*LOsha9 HPMOOt For use with Desbet 500
jX V542 Dft A Database with upto SO Wdyma- ol
about 1 2 million records CUCKOOS II An Am*w
Dos enhacement jMiry ABM)ft5UPUrVttw*3o
Jf V5«3 ICONffiiTOR ■ v20 f Can create Icons
upto 640x200 paete DOCTOMCON vl 0. imports
images as icons. Edit ft Create any Amiga icons
jX VS44 EOUCATX)N FASTFACT* tveryhmg you
ever needed to know about the sotar system
WOMD MAP. Produces dienent sorts c/ wvto maps
PLANTS nstorttoctfonsdptonh MATH MOUNT A*
jf VSftS MCWBS A !elir%¥i od motfgerwen
■* lhAtc Zoo iHWorp ^x \2 t*JJ%> Zap 7m
JT VSft* FONTS ft C COMMANDS OattAltt.
Spars dOFoy dds^ S¥^. ^urtjyjd*xrjed
memory FONT ASSK3H Assigns tonts to tie St^ prJh
jfV5t7GaX»#TtFONftt»Aselertonol torts
&usew*anyDTPPockOQeorDpo*ntdAks
JX VSf 3 TIXT BOM ¥3 Another exceient word
processor program Simple but w* do the job
jX V598 OAtAAASt WO This program wflt record
ot your Karnes & Address t asy Database program
jf V5W BftASC I rf 3 Thts drsk is one ol he mosl
ww *nwwn daiabaw program Recommend
j VA03 POOt FORCAST vlA PermOwcl Is designed to
cti«t tooholptom tor winning hnes'Wbl
j V604 PD COPY v3Q New disk copy with some
extra commands & Quick copy modes bull m 1 1Mb!
JX V405 PRO CALC vl Ofcrs he C or Mochme codt
programmer a 60000 or fFPcakuiator when a use IWW
j (MM SAMPll MAICBT vl This worts sp#c **i tor
•lose wno ore not abte to moke samples w*h a sampler
j V407 PtO TtACKW v20 /rr*Wi by Lars Zap Homre
Anaher update to tu> .<nmaie sound mobng progi am
JX V4K) OOLS SCORES vl.M Its wfl word each
round you pkW Stare i. mote up on edectc scot M w
tou can also rfw* grrjr^s ol scores ft performance
agamsfpor rtwy? * wt r*m work gut uubMurd ports
jr V4n rooTwa uagui roaot vt o wont 10
update your Hams boa* poston as tn reuA come p
jpr V420 ASHCt v3J Oriut Anotyw A toi
lectured progrom tor electic ccut anuhoo
jr v«i tDWOflD vU a a My Injured ft
openseonrjf vtoto pr oc •eeor wrwn cMpfs r^B
standard features & Mare fee Powerful ones
j V*24 nM C0PCR v20 W4 copy n Amgrtoi rd*
Mtrjie mooes, search mode & spec id p ara m eter copy
JT V625 NCOMM v20 Corfcins, IHArc ^ Q IHfcrca
v^ or 7 w »< 40 DMSvl 03 LHA vl 11 LHASOC vl U
^ V427 0#ANT FONTS No's VJ W The latest
setoclton fronts tor use witi ony IF' DTP Program
jf V630 AMICASM Basically Arrucash fust keeps
Irock ot your tronscotens with your oxcounJ/ftank.
juch ai Direa deMs Ctaquu, rYittKirawb
jV43SlfteMEMUUTORPACKAO(vl05 «erV rs
a luA ewjur tfaM K emutotor written to run on any
Amtga This is a demostrahon version wrth a time
■mi of 15 rwiuvp the shotpwore cosi is UbVIO
JX V634 SHADCS ft FAO€S: AMMFADO, A uth-ry
to fade screens in & out SUPCRWrV. WHI deploy
tF natures TUMOTTTlt Wi- ■ rwole subtrtes
JX V437 TWW tXPWSS vl. la (2) Trans any lit *ect
fcom(jiAm^aoT6M*\ 0v^crn(Ctingt*2muttwwsio
gttww»io nut modem cotfe Board rate HSWQ
jjf V439 RA0te<H FlUS vlO Thes is not an ifiktt
but a compiety n*"* set d Jiies & w8 reptocemeni
iir V4« PACKTWAM Mm Mori A tel«^nn V
tonts tor use w#i Pagesteom or after DTP Poc loor. [SI
Jf Vft45 u»n Aft Won] Processor wthWn
modes. OrAne Met> Aleoxh Mode, Spit widows
copy ft paste, undoft omer more standard fetAtes
JC Vft44 SO v2 FU MANAOOt Set can be used
S vanous ojwatcni The bes* s (*aberiy t* Up c opw
jT V647 WO«Be<H HACKS A scWtrjnol
Hocto »not havt beer renewed m CU An^go
_, Vt44 HTAMCS C«UNO«t vl Cruncher w*
"<* S «pea« ORter "mx»« mciudes speed changes
jy vu? wp ft spbx o«cwio a anecfeon Ol
utiles PPvlA Deainches Power pactohkn as
fteyar-ekxioed SUPOESP&1 vll, StOICMCKBr
vlLTDOtAvllirVorrJ processor HMMHR *l
JX V4S0 CMKKIOOK ACCOLWTANT W* monogt
your bank account wth easy Very good indeed
jX V451 THI SUPf R KftlBtS V2 4 iOOT X v4.4S,
fna is the best virus toller disk to dote tots over 240
wus ft may be more, includes excellent tollers
urn]. , Vtv6 3. Zerov*usWvl20ft VT v3 3t
JX V632 PAOCSTRfAM FONT PACK 2 A sWctton ot
fenH tor use with Pogeslream or other DTP Pockoges (5)
j V4S7 PC TASK is a software IBM PC Emulator it
allows you to run the mr^ont ol IBM software wth no
ndrtfflonaf hardware COA Cotour fUU VBCStON,
jX V459 COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS v? 1 Is fheres a
problem wth raur computer ihem what « ii
jK V440 HOM£ manag» This a a great al m one
address book wrth on nvemcry database ft To-do ksl
jtf V441 MOOOiMG VWTEX AJkms you to create
3d obfecls wthout usng tw X. Y ft Z views Loods
tat3d/4d. Turbo S^rer ft more Formats MAOC
TWtW -Vt metomorphasi2eany ^ p»dures
j V442 ocorr vl o p»c«issional you can
MrJ tie veed ol tie dsk drive. Copy rrodes. Dr»
**bcopy v«r ft satecopy Loods cJ other lectures
JX V444MCO»lJNGC«JKnCOn1onso^r?Omtor
obieAfffrnogttormrj Perlen tor use w* Dak V667
aV447 STAJt TRK OftJKTS Contrjen the USS
ant K<C)700&atortfoplusaPnrscheOv
JT V444 PROOUCTMTY / ftUSMSS Stock AnarysH
program SUISTOtS loq Vwsgazmes with search scans
JX V449 atlUlAR AUTOMA Thrs e*eclron< model
w* oRow you to stnukHe ceRulor eveurfs
jX V470 ANDROIDS FONTS 1-7 Self nfloftng lont
daks tor use w* DPomi programs 12 Drives tec, 7 Distal
JIT V477 ANOROOS VIOCO ftACK GROUNOS A
seiochon ol Background Pictures in IFF Formal
JX V474 DRAW MAP v40 (2) Wi now generolt any
t6ccJourpolel»wthusercor*oi,NwrleatoresirKkxJe
larger mop^ with notond bourxlof«,impro¥edrielpond
pnnHng 7Mb (WbwtrsionV?63J2Mb«sonVS?ftOI
j WN OTTWIMR vU> Thrt latest version ol (he
DiskOptlmuer Re^eo^es Disks tor faster LoorAng
V441 GAM* TAMER v2 2 Get a hold of that erira
game ft Cheat wth Game Tamer v2 2
JK V442 OecSJO v2.05 ^&a ft Asci Edtor for use
w* «ur Amoo s Softwe SharewareSIS
J V443 SUttt LOCK vVOl Seal your <feks / Hard
r>h*s tor your eyvsonty Protects wth o Password
jf V4ft4 FONT FAMt A cotectan ol uMtts based
around Vie subject torts Charo«r E<*or vl o Font
master vlO Showfom*3 3 Set font v? S ft monj
JT VftftS ASTHO PRO ASTROLOGY The best
I Astrology program on tie Amiga by tor
JT V4*4 MULtoGS vl.lt Thrs is anotier must tor
IpeoptewthPCdryxs Ater tus program has been
linttrjled jrour Amigo dnws can read 6M D«sk\
[jX VM7 VIOIO WPCS A colerton ot tT Brushs
land background graphic oleflects
JK V4»4 MAGNTTK RAGCS vl. JO Thrs Shareware
I program wJ aeale tfck based magazines wthgropMcs
jx V419 WAIT DSFCT CUP A»T A Cofteckon ol
pictures trom vanous Disney fims
JK V690 WORKKNCH v2 04+ UTtiTU Thrs ts the
best cotection ol ut*hes tor use with WBv2 04 The
disks wtf on*y work on vors*on 2 mochines Q)
jX V692 RACE RATER vV6 An excellent progrom (or
people who what mlormatton about racers
JK V493 HARLEQWN VIDEO ART ft FONT DISKS
Another video production background set ol disks 13)
r V494 POST vV7 An excelent PosiScnpi mter
' tor the Amiga which tmptemeri s tm Adobe
Requresv39+&ConMonW3* uPDAU
THE GAMES SHiCnON
pretertorl
Ibnajage
THE STAR TREK SELECTION
jX AT05KLWG0N 07 OUSRVts torpedoes wnie
paisjngt* NCC-1U4 MUANT. ^rygoodcrvnndeed
jX Alio WTlRMttUi .eoves t*t Star stotk^ dock
NCC 1701 -A. The classic onanrj Arvmaton
_jifAT17TH[ T¥rOtCNCC-lM0,Sn*4antfttwNCC
ITOl A Enterprise MB45CH RO»OTlt
JK ATI* TWOfc-0, At .m NCC W40 RMH 1 NCC
1701 A fnlerpnM NCC >089 Gnssom
jf AT22 A»ROAO»IG VESSBS. ArwTx^orv
Bmory Rrtt v W et tame tanovape by T Pictter
j« AT23 STAR TRBC R£ET MANEWB. NCC- 1940
f S < rw* ft by anenaton exe c t enj classic
jX AT33 THI PflOtC % Arwnabon HODOFPRfY,
Anvnahonkom Star Trek KLNGONHTT
jX AT34 LEAVING SPAO OWO. AnvnoHon
DOCWNO. Animation horn star trek ATTACK MOOt
Bird ol Prey Scout h*p in attack mode
Jtf 1040 STAR TREK THE NECT GOOIATOH The
gome is by Terry A Mc Iniosh vl 47 *
St061 THE UUTIMATE STAR TRBC (2) Oomeby
lasRKhler Now wrlh {ngttsh tnstnxhons
iX 2222 STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION Thrs rs
the latest quu game based on the Next o^nof atic*i (2)
8t SMAUOUO TN- STAR TTOC Gome by tnc
stafson US Inport requires 1Mb & 01 *%k 5
j SMAUG \ S4 T>v STAR TRBC Game by kmbo Borfew
The Amerxar *nxx\ ¥4b \ CD «ks
JK V34 7 STAR TREK ttfORMATKM A OotobOSe ol
oi t>e onanrj series »ery Ddafed
ERtC SCHWARTZ SELECTION
JK T700 ANH IEMMNS --: >res(212Mb
JX t703 THI DATWG GAME Arwn (2J 3Mb
JX 1*42 SHUTTU COOC Arwnaton (MM«
JX 1450 LATE WGHT L TBtMMAL Arw- 1MM
jX 20UAOUITYAnenaerjncl5*(lMb|
jX 20^IVVTNAMCONRJCTAnrnabonriMb|
jX 2133 GiAi WAR CO*l*a (2Mb|
JX 2307 AMY AT THE MOVES I (4) 1Mb Only
JK 2311 AMY vs THE WAUCtt I f2) 3Mb
JK 2344 AMY AT THE BEACH (2) tVobley tie betl
rjntnation by ES to date Excetert 3Mb
JK 2427 CAMOURRAGC AMM 1Mb
_iX 242fl MR POTATO KAD ORCUS ACT (2] By
OvisHt I^OrtlrosnoiariBAreTibulIiJptohrsMnfta
(aok/e cneoltecrwoci*5 The Heme [xcefcrtsfcry
JX 2430 SKUNKS ft HUNKS POGO 1 AMM 2Mb
jX 2474 AMYHIST introduces Amy the squmet
jX 2475 BATMAN. Anoint Anlmolion VTOC
about a Marner vs PropeRer plane contest
JK 2474 HOW TO RUN. How to run into a wall
Vory tunny Animation by Enc Schwartz
jX 2477 AMYWAIKS An*m rjl Amy the squvrel
Wofcno AMYXX^OtAn^theSguinelWrJtang
JX 2471 UNSPOfflMG 2Mb itoms U AK) ThuAr
trfarr^bety known as frewafHjg KrUDestoytan^
C1.R UCENOWAM E3 50 Pe' CK$k
Cental Icenceware Register a r*w coiectton from
khe Amaj PD Utxarvs tl 00 to the programmer
JT OITTOTAi CONQPTS DtNOSMJRSai
Jf OH TOTAl CONOPT5 GtaOGV (2)
jXCUnvtMOTTTlES JKOWfSHtCtXlR
JX aU3 T YPtNG TUTOR jX CLGt ^ORRC
jX UG2 DARK THWGS jr OG3 ^tAZE 2
JXCIG4 -SYSTEM jf 005 TBUOW ON 2 IS
jCUHOBUTERATlON Jtf 7 wtlYSWATlff WOKS I
JX OOft THI NIW DRAGON TUS
jX CLGt MOTOR DUEL
j 1073 TETRtS OMOMAAThcs a *«c doxs game to tie
ongmai totrts computer gome A Classic
jX 1420 DTMS This is the tm* 2 Player Tetns game
JX »4S4 MfOAftAU An encetent Arkano*d gome
JX 1444 SOUTAWI ft SOUTAJtH ROYAL Card gvnes
JX 1541 TRfTWtS TM is the best version of Tetns on the
Arrego wtlh I ptover. 2 p*ayer ft 3 Payer options
JX 1733 ASTERlOOS T>« 0#ttCHnW Anoiher Old
classK This dWvtiorMinoiclussiccofnpiiier gamp
J 1747 UAMATRON GAME 2001 fty Jeff MW
BnHortf stofl ft An excellent production Shoot to bH
jX 174f SCRAMftU Vw Onginoiftememuer that aid
cfOMir well ts now on the Amigo The Shoot pm up
.jx 1470 patience* This ts ihe best versKjn todaie
DOMMOS, May vs the computer or another player
jtf tf77 POM POM GUNNBt Awl down ff* ntvrve^
world wcr t or ptones m tus Cwnjion Wotf type gome
j20IRjnM«NArot^Sc^umc)assKCfjrwrtedto
teamen rtMPakwAhrjl tie onanat sounds
JX 2022 S4A LANCE Th» Irs? Sient Service type sub
war game wtrm Our AmRgoPDcotedton
JT J0S4 ATK ATAC A renctton ol tie game from tie
ungnal Spectum computer Graphic Maze odverture
jX2U2BATTUOttftTVM WAR GAMK 2 Strategy
war gomes whjch boti need toorjng trough Wb
jxl^MDUNOCONONNACMUi^rste
&xoeons ft Drogons rVtAc domam type game
j 2173 CARD GAMiS, vanous card oomes tted
Otbboge BtoeMoon Kxig. PotenceftHeorts
JK 2174 SURVIVOR a space based adve«ure game
wthtn fche A fcens theme NKecolouHuilgraphjKS
JK 2140 SKODA CHAUNK An exceSed 4 plow
hoitod gome written m Amos Simple but good fun
jX 21M ftATTliCARS f xcettenl Sobd 3d Graphics
Iravet otound track drwn tte other cars ft destroy
jX 21tf PARACHUH JOUST You are tolling down to
eoflh ft must lake the Parachute from Ihe otter player
JX 2720 STRATMK GAMES. Elernal Rome. Lords ol
Holts ri Moonshine An Excellent coHection ol gomes
JX 2221 MHO GAMES 21 of rhe best Mr»d games to
i h M]i;.»..}* , .1 i en rj i ■.' «M ihool i g iUh
j 2224 SWORD OF THE WARLOCK A Bards tales / lye
ol the Beholder adrenturegame packed on three drsks
The best Shareware role ptoyirx) game on the omoo
EicdtnlAdrefure Of 1Mb C2 Drww)
JX 22 72 MACK JACK iM ** Portoon x*o 7 Ctown The
ar *£lf**P ***** 4 fcro * 5 ** WpJrj«rjnsdfce£rT*
Jlf 2274 CARD SHARP A very QrotessKroiy presented
setedtonotsofttara type card games Excelent v«mxa
jr227tSU«AnACKv10Conto-t« torpedoes ft
sjnktkeenemy snjps as toy sorf past UNDM9C
jf 22M OPIOMANCY v2 A class-: stoMoygvne
loosely based on Work) Wart A very detstodgame
Jf 2313 ICVB4GC Of THE MUTANT CAA«S S Jeff
r The nde ol o hie time wth mutant comets
Jf7 VACE POKB The ottematrve Poker Game
jf 2411 TOTAl WAR The board gome w««n d RISK
JX 2412 KmmjiA 1 SIMULATOR Ano^trve Stfnulator
JX 2432 GOCD&I OuMS GotaM Galawons. Spoce
mvoders Astertods Batty Wrssle uxTmond & Sfcmeine
Jf 2447 AMOS COtNDROR FRUTT MACHME Excellen!
simulator with vanous gamble modes Great tun
JX 2450 SMASH TV * THE R» Off Simular lo the
origirxii arcade machine With neal grapgKs ft sound
jX 2455 MAYHEM Guide your space ship through the
■.["T '■ i »ifV"is shooi Nfin k L^« h f- n boob (nil
JX 2454 UTTRW Anew Tetns variant where you
positon Hies wthm a letter lime kmrl so be fail about <t
JX 2440 AMOS FRUIT MACHNE ■ As neor as
passable to tte tn *i machine bund n Pubs ft Arcades
jX 2441 AMlMORUvS 22 *his s the West update to
tw Onrjnoi Manj adwenture game Better graphics,
and »w tore* a*«r«ure to date Excelent
jr 2442 OESCENOOt K a clone of the das» orcade
jome Tempest complete wth vectomed gropni cs
jX 24*3 rNTMJCO h a MutaleM Berserk cton*
wr« smooth gameptay great graphxs ft sound
JX 24ft4 CATACOMB 4 prjrfcrj OdWtVt gar* set on Q
yr<tcsand^f«mOtecrfrieandtftX0iJSlA YourgiPest
to flKCwer terjeh 4 1 eosures erf re underground mare
Jf 2445 ttON OAOS - NAPCX0K WAR Wb T Hs fS
another update to tie HL^ert 3*qteK War Orj-* (2)
jf 2447 CLMH Of ThlWfj Tlflta Anptfier
aactfenlSirategKalWarGame»rTASeor (2]
jX 244t TM COLOSSAL CAVE vl An octanture by
Donoid Woods ft W* Oowthw ft is wtuoty idenncalto
Ihe original moKi frame ctosvx Ported by Tony Beicfrnq
jf 2440 RUMMY Another card game wth graphics
jf 24tl LEGEND Of LOTHUN vl 02 is an adventure
gam* r ihe vwn ol the Utimo game series includes
cotourUgraprws ^wdwrf^w^iw^ir^icteiosofce
Jf 24t4 BATniMlNTS HUNCMMCK This rs
conversion ol the old classic game Excetenf game
EASY ORD F RING INFORMATION ft ORDER FROM
OROCRWO RY POST:
When ordering disks please nek the boxes to ihe leR o*
Ihe disk numbers (Any coloured pen, rt ughier or just
luv outline tie daksJ After selecina fhedtskvso*ware
txt you requtfv. Please M *\ your Name ft AdrMss on
tie order torm prowled Cut our or Ftiotocopy t«s
advert Hand writer orders are acepted ft Post to tit
vyien aoow Cheajes ft Postcri orders should be
mofrpOMtteto POSOtT t ycu how ordered befcve
pteose let tie occourt Numt»r box
Hie Amos
j A0D154 KMMBASf *2 rha a o^ cast Inenrjyand
PowvftAdtfabasewh^cannanc*» to.060rec«h
jXF54tVfRSrMSEvl0 Gospel IMML ft X erf t*
Wm wew output, search program pump to any verse
jf FS42 SHOW Oum *i» ftecogrues 168 dOrot
gunj numbers ft torwfctestfcemrtoEngfcsh
jr F$72 mxWiOT vl.l One erf tie mosi pw^rtJ
dr»ptonrig packages r>aiabie (jtceien«ab4t«s
FS74r<WZAPv2 3Atwdgirwalonrnukpurprjse !
sector fdftng jtMy KludiianweltntseorrMrjcAn
JTFSM WORLD DATAUNK v2.2 LA^ a dato base
from ihe CU. tus program w4 ptol world mops
F5t3 ANAlYitM (XI An vtergrofron ol An&fCtto
spreadsheet ft l»M S Database monagemvrf
jf F421 MmnHAYER vV17 M*jw picker proQrom
which ptoys soundlnxIw/NoMtrocker modules
Jf F425 OftP WOT Canon loser Printer Drw
lrKWescxirapre*ererxeswithodd*ionalop»^
JX H27AOOCv7,04Aiielputilrh / kKTh«Amigo You
wtl have pormonenl help on ony subject you wonf
JXF42I LEGEND OF LOTHIAN vl 02 rs on oefcenture
game n tie vw> of tie L*Tta gome senes Indudei
cofcxArfgrapnxt <wdet ol *natsters & puuies to son*
F4J0 ItCS vl W Boot hko C£n»urtcn Set a o W k) crerje o |
VTotnt^tr^t*tlOottociwV^aKffa*r^no(toIlrQe^W
Mil AHOM v3 OOo MardOsk menu syslem c*ers
o sateen poge menu, each page howng upto len
possRMe actons Just double rtck on tie opton
Jf F412 P»fflRB vO t A pnm uWy to rwtoce tie
standard wwtbench pnmlles command WB2 Oniy
FA34 SUC4R v2 W4 create abstad an based on
rrx*iemofcrJlunrtons such as monrttbrol set FCW
vt-V A program tor tormotmg ludttis so tut
tieyconarAdofltiemorgns Optono* Shareware
JK F435 tOOTWC v2 0, AKows ycu to «tal neorK
any W Picture tirj you *» to place of tie W« hand
RIM AAJTT vl 0. G*« dM«J rwjmxtcn about
,ol vanous Amjgorjem MWH v!3
F437LAStlloutlffylorusewtharcrwers tou
can odd delete. Mroct ft update stnete or rnutp*
lies Utf vi 2t Law wrw from SMo^ Boberg
JK F434 POWtRMAXE vl 13 A powMji rnrjdm
>>. *>j* *•«+ Mxxjar* to* irws^iOusAm^ Programmer
IX 1652 EUMrWTSv3 0Av%^n<eintwoctivedrsptoy
of the Periodic Tobto ot Elemenis Shareware
JX F453 FU SElEa v2.0 A hie reouester which is
small ki*f has some excelent new leotures
jf F453 HAKTAR vl 4 A kind ot oaVenture Construct-
ion K fl on on *«asy to learn interpreter language
JX F441 CHADEL vl A lull featured Amiga BBS
program wth all necessory Mes to setup your own BBS
jX F443 OESKJET v2 14 Seed an rtemalloni topnnr
lone or more Bes WBonfy control o HP Deskjet SOOs
jXF444MMvV2^an<]«herkeymaped4or rhal^ou
icOfiusetoerJtt^Am^hjymgpeusedbySecmQp
CLIP API COUECT10N
» CAI CUP n PACK 1 (5) sporfc. flo^s Anmab. car
loons. H*TWOuV *fntB. JMMtft. borderv HaNo-v«e«n
•aUrtrm. mv ttfHtm*. hamh. roctoc. can & moml
rCAlCUF-ffMCXltSt'fen woman AmxM
* to Z. arrowv siarv cniownv numevous. cartoons.
porAng hands toad & boas mom
JT Of CUM PACK J OJ (rm. H«t>s. MM Arrows.
Spwrj Ocasvonv VagMablas. (CKhon Utonots,. Cups.
OtossM Art Oko ft taoJtets
r CAl ajp-n pack 4 (St uvt Art d*o. bab«s bo»s
■ofH. tots ol Humoyous •umiiaM A to £ saofc. more
spsciai occosnns & (oftgrapfM amamanh
jpf CAl CUP-IT PACK 3 (S) Chnstnas ttoek om a & W.
omtory Imm totw dramas to boron to *•■• ft bordm
_BY CAl CUP-n PACK • (51 r^ymotooicol Monsters on
wceftmi poc* ol ci©otin«n trom ol owr the world
xxwifi i I'fope. indio. Norm America S America eci
JK CAl CUP-IT PACK 7 (3) Mower Power clip an pack.
pictures ol rne mosl popuw ftownrs plus arronoemts,
sriohiNines. (towers in vases ft lypesetling borders
_1K VIS* An.rnah. B*ds. Borders, turds, tacts, foe*
be*. Icons larlbwdy legal People. ffeocV 4 Zodiac
OK V137 *i(>vs. Beach. Camefc, Charle Chapman.
Kmgnrs. Hanoi. PkxM, School. SketoUn. Signs. Work.
Wedcfcnas. tronsport. Snowmen & Pofecemen
< VI5i Cartoon. Old cars. Outline Men. Outtw
Women. People Dogs. Signs Sport. Teddys & Work.
PQUYSQFT UCENCEWAftt £3 SO
rUMfrCMGlMb jf 13 O BOC
t UOCZY LIZZYS (DUCAnON WSK 1
JK LT1 OAWfNSlON X • THI TRON GAME
JKLO BOUNTY BC4S HCH MOON ADVtNTuM
JV IM OASS ROOM MATHS VARIOUS MATH TESTS
_Bt IM COMBAT TANK rJATTU TVCS CMCMAU
JK LM AVMA BtU(
J* Ul SPICTRUM
j \M TH[ uWRATOR THf SPEQAl WEAPON
FLETCHER VIDEO FONTS £15 00 Per Pock
Pocfces m Stock OPA. FfPe, fFP} FFP2 ff P2, fFP3. WP4
and PO Soft WJ Onty have IWS The best pock yet
Stt rJsks pocked *rth a «r «d assortment ot c otouredlonti
m many colours, shapes & sues for use with Dpamt I
programs or any VW00 produciion utilities This pack has
%ome loWy OUMondhQl tonrs otkJ (or onJvtlS they give you |
.wpr ?Oton!* B k>pkjvwiTt^ [u "<i tr -Jixea &Totaly stunning
Tf u»ho« 6kA& lc6uk\w*G otixi
The Tehphone hotline is open su days a week trom 9am
to 7pm (Week dayst & Irom 10am ■ 4pm ESalurdaysJ
You con now cotect ony oMaal our Nerv oftce ockJress
6 8f>Jlr J H*MROAO SOUMND-ON-StA, SSI TrD
■UMOHAN OHXRS - NO POSTAGt CHM«
/rtienon*tlrm(rom*thrtL^^
mjn ordtr or J rJsks, Al orders sen* by AtcMAA free
MTWNAT10N OflOOttONLT
AlordersaresenlbypWMari PleaeeoddTmMrwnun
£? 00* to t*e total o* fte order icwards t« pogoge
Wtn*n Ch«*V« fnusl be drawn on a U K. bcvL
NAMi
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POSTCOOC
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OWITCARO NUM8CA {MASTtflCAPO or VISA) (XPWV OATI TQTAL n pmci
TOTAL PDEMSKS
PffIC ES ARE PER DISK
1-5 Disks £2.50
6-10 Disks £2.25
A500PUJ5
SPECIAL NOTICE
Ofl = IT WORKS
ON TOUR PLUS
When orderau any
disks Irom Pd-SoB
11-20. Disks £2.00 ««» ^«' ^
21-50..Disks€1.75eKS&S
5U......Disks£1.50So, B ^2r ,1 *
PERIPHERAL PRICE'S
THIMOUSfPAD M.99
THC AMKM DUST COV1R C3.99
3 5 06KCLtANMOKiTS U»»
OOK LAULS Skrtgle / M«i SO COOte
ROU Of 1000 OOK LAHLS 3 S CM 94
2At PttSKTlR LEADS lb 49
OOK tOX 1401 J 5 NCH 1 4 99
DSKROXRHIISKH 17 99
SOUK RfPlACEAUNT MOUSC CM 99
Ihe CompJele fred Ftsh has been
protessKMtai pnnied. oouod & loctudes
osonedtnc»ioforl_m«o>sks it rvj* sJonds oi over
ISO- Poge* ■o«»o comes wth free updolepoaea os
ihe tmn cfcsis ore released Please nofce Rial r«
| updates ore o«, cwoJoble from PD Sort KEORSHrs
o <c*ec»on ol Arrago Games. UHAes & Muah. More
(och oh* is mart potted **« programs .. M
U(tedfishclabcarne«Mehhjlns»uc»oris B *^L
I Any othef disks Recjuifed
line tk-dgd Software)
CATAU30W'«dolbOre^<aWog>«rJm»G«4 ST2k
MVO tie ijnpjjtf easy to use ^alooost
OtSkS H^ey Contois d*lisol over 4.500 ssksA L
arealovaRtatiedrtK%tPC*ns>ock Artx«tLideo* 1Mb
op^ons ixtucftng Search A Pnnr Cortrjns dtfab f
c« (red Fish ilAG>nxn. FiUX SMpUXI. Scope I
Agoton APOC Panorarw Amcus. Sip (** Joe IMbo
lorson TCUO ni/AUG TOPK & m\ Kn
P0U«0FT4CUbcenwiwre K, -*°
tenlinwl from pffft 148
Book, which is a $10 shareware
program by Undo Lullic. i3 a
computerised version of the 'record
every tiny detail of your baby's
development" scrapbooks sold to
gullible (or sadistic) parents. Whether
you're gullible or sadistic can be
determined by asking yourself
whether you ore likely to get the book
our whon your offspring brings their
"Now could be a
good time to switch
the computer off
and go to the
pub..."
girl/boyfriend home to dinner.
The idea is that, as your sprog
grows, you type In all its relevant
details - date of birth, weight, name
of the doctor present, when it first
vomitted over the babysitter and so
on. The program has a number of
pages', ranging from 'Firsts' (smile,
tooth, haircut and so on), through
Mom's notes and medical notes' to
The Bin
Startle
PowerPacker
T
The Amlgahollcs club disk has some utilities and programs on the disk,
although there isn't the variety that you And on some
Baby's first Christmas'. Details can,
of course, be printed out.
If this is your kind of thing, I have
to say that it's been fairly well done.
Apart from an occasional difficulty in
selecting a text field to type in to. the
program worked well, the fonts are
reasonable and the graphics are well
drawn. Personally, I just think it's
sad there's a market for this kind of
thing. The rating depends on whether
you agree or not.
Program rating 1/10
9/10
UPDATE... UPDATE...
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FT-X Account* now hat an Improved user Interface and many new features
ommendedl
You may recall that In the June issue I raved about a program called FT-X
Account; by Fred Trigg. Well, Fred has been In touch with me to tell me
that he's radically upgraded the program, which is now at version 2.01 It's
now far faster, because he's re-written It In compiled HiSoft Basic rather
than Amiga Basic, and added some features like Fixed Costs and a raster
reconciliation feature.
Fred has now included a requester telling you that the version you have
is unregistered, and which counts down from about 40 - in seconds - so
that's a good incentive to register. The user interface has now also been
improved - the whole thing is much more attractive and professional-looking.
In the June Issue I said that I'd recommend FT-X Accounts; with the
improvements that Fred has made, I'd say that this is doubly the case.
The shareware fee for the program is £20; Fred can be contacted at 25
Cecil Aldtn Drive, Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire RG3 6YP.
HOME MANAGER 2.0
PD Soft disk V660
Home Manager is an $18 shareware
program by Len Piatt, who goes
under the pseudonym of Lord Sutch
Productions. It started out as
personal database called Home
Sweet Home, but grew as more
features were added. It now has
eight sections: Appointments;
Personal Inventory; Address Book;
Notepad; The Wallet: Area Codes;
and Important Phone Numbers.
The program works in Interlace
mode, although it only takes up the
NTSC portion of the screen. Until you
register, a small 'nagging Requester'
appears at frequent intervals
reminding you to register the
program - this requester holds up
program operation for about five
seconds each time it appears, so
you'll soon get sick of it.
As with the home accounts
package reviewed earlier, your views
on the usefulness of this program
will directly reflect your opinion of
whether computers are better than
standard paper-and-pen methods of
organising your life. Given that you
think they are, though. Home
Manager is certainly fully-featured
and should keep you happy.
Taking a brief look at each of the
sections to the program in turn, the
first is the Address Book. This has
as many features as some stand-
alone programs, including the facility
to print address labels, an individual
entry, a list of all names or the full
database. You can also search for
strings in any of the fields. You can
have two separate address
databases, designated Business and
Personal.
The Appointments module is a
combined calendar/appointments
diary, with the calendar on the left of
the screen and an appointment book
on the right. Although automatically
set up with time slots at half-hourly
intervals, the appointment diary can
be altered at will.
Area Codes doesn't seem to be
editable, but contains phone codes
for a large number of countries, as
well as many (if not all) American
States. The American States
information might not be too useful
to us here in the UK. but I'm sure
that someone out there will be able
to make use of them.
The Inventory section of the
program allows you to list and
describe all your valuables -
presumably for insurance purposes,
in case your home is burgled.
However, since the Amiga is likely to
be one of the things that's taken, it's
a good idea to print out the list,
rather than just leave it on the
computer. Fortunately, there's the
facility to do just that - as well as
printing a single entry or printing a
list of items without any detail.
The Notepad is a basic note
taker - the documentation says that
it's not intended to be a fully-fledged
word processor, although you can
load, save and print documents from
this area of the program. Phones is a
list of regularly-used phone numbers,
which can be dialled if you have a
modem connected to your phone
line. I've seen this sort of routine on
just about every computer ever
made, and I still wonder... does
anyone actually use it?
ToDo's is the section of the
program where you enter any things
that you need to do (surprise,
surprise). Every time you start the
program, it scans to see if there's
anything in the list and, if there is,
lets you know.
Finally, The Wallet is described in
the documentation as a "credit card
database with dialler". Unfortunately,
it refused to run on my machine -
every time I selected that module,
the program just terminated and left
me back in the Workbench.
Home Manager needs the fatter
(1Mb) Agnus chip to run. and works
in Interlaced mode - something
which makes it less useful for me
(and, I suspect, many people) since I
don't have a flicker fixer, and staring
at an interlaced screen for more than
five minutes at a time gives me a
dreadful headache.
It constantly amazes me that
people write such high-quality
software for the PD and shareware
marketplace. Home Manager could
easily be sold as a full, commercial
piece of software. It looks
professional, has no bugs that I
could find (with the exception of The
Wallet), has comprehensive on-line
help and is clearly the product of a
great deal of development work. I
can only hope that Len keeps on
writing shareware - he's already
written six or seven other programs -
since he's obviously very talented.
tMtiMMd on pog* 1 50
148
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USH DISKS IN
STOCK 350-650
ONLY 99P EACH:
DUA-VU
INSTCHK 1-85
£3.50 EACH!
PUBUCii
ANGLIA PUBLIC DOMAIN LIBRARY
(DeplASH). 115 Rareac/i Road Fttestowe Sufic*. ipi i 7HU
TELE
Access
(t>tomaUors«l
wdr b iwkorT*
but pi— tt »dd
Mpp****!*
f^W4p>cfclnB-
Os
0394
283
494
packing.
P^DPMAJN
c— ti— d fr— pf IU
It's another good reason to pay your
shareware fees - to keep guvs like
this interested.
Program rating 9/10
DISK MAGS
Please do keep your disk magazines
coming tn, even If I don't review
yours every month. Each column
from now on I'll pick out one or two
that I haven't looked at for a while,
so it's in your interests to make sure
that I keep seeing yoursl
AMIGAHOUCS NO 5
The Amigaholics disk magazine
number 5 starts with some pretty
reasonable music and a picture
which slowly draws itself on the
screen. After a while you realise that
you need to hit a key to continue
and, having done that a scrolling
message appears with the history of
the disk. Hit a key again (it would be
good to be told that that's what you
need to do) and you're into the
program selector.
The editorial was an interesting
read, as was the Letters section.
Unusually for a disk magazine with a
menu, only the text files were
included on the menu - for access to
the rest of the Tiles, you have to exit
to the Workbench.
The programs included weren't
too spectacular, but the range wasn't
bad. The disk I received was the
February edition {why I didn't get a
later one I don't know), but I'm
assured that the magazine is going
from strength to strength.
Amigaholics can be contacted at
29 Wolfe Crescent, Charlton, London
SE7 8TS.
Value for money 5/10
DREAMERS
Dreamers is unusual for a disk
magazine In that its front-end was
written in AMOS (of course, as usual
that means that I can't screengrab
the bloody thing!). The presentation
is very elegant, with text scrolling in
the middle third of the screen, the
magazine's logo at the top and icons
for the different subjects at the
bottom.
Much of the disk is taken up with
text files, and the editorial content
certainly seems up to scratch. There
are reviews of 3D drawing packages,
tips on drowing techniques for
popular programs such as Deluxe
Paint, a review of a DTP package, a
discussion of memory expansions
along with reviews of a few units,
games reviews, news and so on.
There is also a 'picture of the
month'. Unfortunately, there's not
much (if anything) in the way of PD
software on the disk, so be aware
that you're paying mainly for
editorial. However, in future there will
be two disks - each costing £2. or
both for £3 - one of which will be the
mag. while the other carries a
selection of PD.
Dreamers issue 3 has been
made public domain so that people
can see what it's like; normally the
disks will cost £2. Issue 3 was
supplied to us by PD Soft - it's disk
number 2425. Or, if you want to get
the latest issue, send a cheque for
£2 (or £3 for both the mag and its
associated collection of PD software)
to Paul Harthen, 43 Boyds Walk.
Dukinfield, Cheshire SK16 4AX.
Value for money 6/10
NEXT MONTH • NEXT MONTH • NEXT MONTH
Next month I will, as always, be seeking out the best software to review. If
you've got a particular subject that you want me to cover, or if you've come
across a good piece of PD or shareware that you think deserves a mention.
drop me a line here at PD World. Amiga Shopper. Future Publishing. 30
Monmouth Street. Bath BA1 2BW. Or you can contact me on CIX as
iwrigley'. or on the Internet as iwrigley©clx. compulink.co.uk*.
3 Amlgos
16 Marsett Way
Leeds LS14 2DN
tr 0532 733043
United
169 Dale Valley Road
Hollybrook
Southampton SQ1 6QX
AMOS PD Library (also Deja Vu)
25 Park Road
Wigan WN6 7AA
tr 0942 495261
AnghaPDL
115 Ranelagh
Felixtowe
Suffolk IP11 7HU
tr 0394 283494
terchlps
Cliffe House
Primrose Street
Keighley BD21 4NN
tr 0535 667469
P0Box7
Bletchley
Milton Keynes. MK2 3YL
tr 0908 640763
Crazy Joe's
145 Effingham Street
Rotherham
South Yorks S65 1BL
9 0709 829286
DertraxPD
36 Bodelwyddan Ave
OldCoiwyn
Crwyd LL29 9NP
» 0492 515981
Digttz
PO Box 144. Mexborough
South Yorks S64 9SL
» 0709 571748
Scotland Farm. Stockwood Road
Brlslington
Bristol BS4 5LU
w 0272 723489
EMPDL
54 Watnall Road
Hucknall
Nottingham NG15 7LE
tr 0602 630071
ix Computer Systems
118 Middle Crockerford
Basildon
Essex SS16 4JA
• 0268 553963
George Thompson Services
Cucumber Hall Farm,
Cucumber Lane
Essendon
Herts AL9 6JB
tr 0707 664 654
Goldstar Computers
POBox2
Tyldesley
Manchester M29 7BN
NBS
1 Chain Lane, Newport
Isle Of Wight P030 5QA
• 0983 529594
Neural Images
4 Flint Walk. Hartlepool
Cleveland TS26 OTE
» 0492 263508
Office Choice (OC-PD)
30 Town St, Kirkintilloch
Glasgow G66 1NL
9 0236 737901
PDSoft
1 Bryant Ave, Southend-On-Sea
Essex SSI 2YD
» 0702 612259
Pentlre PD
10a Hag Hill Lane, Taplow
Maidenhead. Berks SL6 OJH
• 0628 666641
Public Domlnator
PO BOX 801, Bishop's Stortford
Herts CM23 3TZ
v 0279 757692
Riverdene PDL
30a School Road
Tilehurst, Reading
Berkshire RG3 5AN
Seventeen Brt Software
PO BOX 97. Wakefield
West Yorks WF1 1XX
tr 0924 366982
Software Expressions
Hebron House. Sion Road
Bedminster
Bristol BS3 3BD
9 0272 637634
Softvllle
Unit 5. Stratfield Park
Elettra Avenue.
Waterlooville
Hants
P07 7XN
• 0705 266509
Start Computer Systems
Barbican House
Bonnersfield
Sunderland, SR6 OAA
9 091 564 1400
Start ronlcs
4 Arnold Drive. Droylsden
Manchester M35 6RE
• 061 370 9115
Unique Computing
114 Salters Road, Gosforth
Newcastle on Tyne. NE3 3UP
tr 091-284 7976
it 0942 895320
tr 0734 452416
ValryPO
ICPUQ
Telescan Computer Services
PO BOX 15. Peterlee
PO BOX 1309
Handsworth Road
Co Durham SR8 1NZ
London N3 2UT
Blackpool FY5 1SB
9 091-587 1195
tr 081-346 0050
tr 0253 22296
Wlrral PD
Kernow Software PD Library
Sector 16
PO Box 4, Birkenhead
51 Ennors Road
160 Hollow Way. Cowley, Oxford
Merseyside L43 4FW
Newquay, Cornwall
• 0865 774472
tr 051 651 0646
150
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
SAFE
OPPING
Whether buying over the phone or at a local store,
here's our advice on how to get what you want
BUYING IN PERSON
• Where possible, always test any
software and hardware in the shop
before taking it home, to make sure
that it works properly.
• Make sure you have all the
necessary leads, manuals or other
accessories you need.
• Don't forget to keep your receipt.
BUYING BY PHONE
• Be as clear as possible when
stating what you want to buy. Make
sure you confirm all the technical
details of what you are buying. Some
things to bear in mind are version
numbers, memory requirements,
other required hardware or software
and compatibility with your particular
model of Amiga (that is. make sure
you know which version of Kickstart
you have).
• Check the price you are asked to
pay. and make sure that it's the
same as the price advertised.
• Check that what you are ordering
is actually in stock.
• Check when and how the article
will be delivered, and that any extra
charges are as stated on the advert.
• Make a note of the date and time
when you order the product.
BUYING BY POST
As with buying by phone, you should
clearly state exactly what it is you
are buying, at what price (refer to the
magazine, page and issue number
where it's advertised) and give any
relevant information about your
system set-up where necessary. You
should also make sure you keep
copies of all correspondence both to
and from the company concerned.
MAKING RETURNS
Whichever method you buy by, you
are entitled to return a product if it
fails to meet any one of the following
three criteria:
A CHECK LIST FOR
MAIL ORDER BUYING
1 Make sure you know exactly what you want. Draw up a checklist of the
specifications you are looking for and what you want it to be able to do.
Check with the suppliers that their product matches your list
2 Will the product you have In mind work with your existing set-up, and
anything else you are planning to buy?
3 Can you see a demonstration? Many products are on display at computer
shows around the country.
4 Are there any hidden extras? Does it need 1Mb to run, or a hard disk?
5 What technical support is provided by the supplier? Does the
manufacturer offer after-sales advice? Check before you buy.
6 Check the guarantee terms. How long Is the free warranty? What does tt
offer?
7 Draw up a list of these details and make them a condition of your order.
8 Check the price and delivery details when you order, and make a note of
them.
9 Note down when you placed the order and who you spoke to.
1 When It arrives, check everything carefully. K anything is missing, don't
use the product at all - contact the supplier. If It doesn't work, make the
obvious checks such as the fuse. If It still doesn't work don't try to fix it
contact the supplier.
• The goods must be of
merchantable quality'.
• The goods must be 'as described'.
• The goods must be fit for the
purpose for which they were sold.
If they fail to satisfy any or all of the
criteria, then you are then entitled to:
• Return them for a refund.
• Receive compensation for part of
the value.
• Get a replacement or free repair.
When returning anything, ensure that
you have proof of purchase and that
you return the item as soon as
possible after receiving it. For this
reason it is important that you check
the hardware or software as soon as
it is delivered to make sure
everything you ordered is there and
works as it is supposed to.
HOW TO PAY
Paying by credit card is the most
sensible way, whether buying in
person, by post or on the phone,
because you may be able to claim
the money from the credit card
company even if the firm you ordered
from has gone bust or refuses to
help sort out your problem.
Otherwise, you should pay by
crossed cheque or postal order -
never send coins or notes through
the mail.
GETTING REPAIRS
Always check the conditions of the
guarantee, and servicing and
replacement policy, so that you know
what level of support to expect.
Always fill in and return warranty
cards as soon as possible, and
make sure that you are aware of all
the conditions contained in the
guarantee.
BUYING PD
Even though PD software is relatively
inexpensive, you should still apply
the guidelines set out above, making
sure that you confirm all orders as
clearly as possible.
Shopping around is still
important when buying PD because
different houses charge different
prices for the same disks. There is
no set pricing structure for disks, but
bear in mind that PD houses are, in
theory, supposed to be non-profit
making operations. /T^
ADVERTISERS INDEX
1st Choice (Leeds) 49-51
3 Amigos 149
16 Bit Centre 80
316 Supplies 20
Accelerators Unlimited 72
Ace Repairs 144
Advanced Electronics 94
AngliaPD 149
Artworks 65
BCS 68
Coombe Valley 90
Cortex 4
Delta Pi 90
DeltraxPD 144
Diamond 126-129
Digicopy 65
Digita 9
Direct Computers 94
Dynamite 110. 111
EMC 65
Evesham Micros 120. 121
Express PD 144
Futureworld 38. 39
G2 Systems 72
Grapevine 90
Harwoods 55-61, 77
Hisoft 155
Hobbyte 100. 101
Home Based Business 90
Intracom 72
Ladbroke Computing 96
Merlin 69
MJC Supplies 46
Olympic Disks 149
Omega Projects 118
PDSoft 147
Phoenix 12
Power Computing ...2, 33. 156
Sector Software 102
Shadow Software 102
Silica Systems. ..105. 113, 117
Softstore 85
Startronics 144
Switchsoft 94
Trilogic 106, 107
Ultimate PD 142
Vortex 25
Weserve 6
WTS Electronics 102, 93
York Electronics 94
Zye Technology 17
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
151
HARDWARE • HARDWARE • HARDWARE • HARDWARE • HARDWARE • HARDWARE • HARDWARE • HARDWARE
Welcome to the Amiga Shopper Buyer's Guide, your regular guide to what's hot
and what's not In the Amiga market place. It's designed as a simple touso yet
comprehensive guide which will help you to make the right buying decisions. It
may not Include each and every product ever produced for the Amiga (that would
take up virtually the whole of Amiga Shopped), but you can rest assured that all
major brands and models are here.
The Buyer's Guide will run each and every month and as new products are released
and others discontinued, we'll be updating It accordingly. This month we bring you what
is possibly the most comprehensive guide to hardware for the Amiga owner. Next month
we'll be listing Amiga software...
AMIGAS
Mod*)
PFtCOJ MfMHKy
Total Chip
Total Fast
Processor Speed (MHz) Hard Disk (Mb) Floppies
Commit
A600
£399 1 Mb
2Mb
4Mb
68000 7
No
LX88C*
Replacement for no
OxKOnbnued ASOOPkjs
A600H0
£499 1Mb
2Mb
4Mb
68000 7
20
1x880k
A600 wRh buUt «i 20 Mb IDC
A1500
£999 1Mb
1 Mb
9 Mb
68000 7
NO
. (8801
More expandable than A500
A2O0OH0
£1299 1Mb
1Mb
9 Mb
68000 7
40
1x880k
Exactly the same as AISOO. but now lock*
tosbarddrsk
A2500
L"y>T> 1 Mb
t Mb
9 Mb
68020 16
40
l*880k
Same as A2000H0.
but comes with processor card
ANN
£3160 2Mb
2Mb
16Mb
68030 18/25
50/100
1x880k
A»a*abkt In mvmI
hsrS (Sali. pnmir c<
Hoxe: A5O0 and A15O0 now denote 2.0based machines. A2500 onty available in the US.
HARD DRIVES
Model
Supplier
Pries
Machine
Capacity (Mb)
RAM Expansion
ftataxg
lease
RocHard
Zye Technology
£379
A500
52
8Mb
e> * • •
13
Impact II*
Silica
£399
A 500
50/110
8Mb
1.2.8-13
A590
Commodore
1399
A500
20
2Mb
ve e
1^A13
DrtaFlyerSOO
Tntogtc
£350
ASOO
48
•
v *
12813
500XP
Surface UK
£480
A500
40
2/8 Mb
e 8 8 8
L2.8.13
FastTrafc
TMrd Coast
£599
A 500
40
•
Moj
8
Novia30t
Power Computing
£399
A500
20/30
-
• ••
8
Prims
Powsr Computing
£499
ASOO
50/100
-
• # * *
8
Trumpcard
Third Coast
£399
ASOO
40
« we-
8
Pnrtar HO
Protaf
£299
ASOO
20
8Mb
es) e *
.
Impact IIHC+8
SNoa
£299
A 1500—
4O300
■Mb
4 s> * a
1X13
DataFIyer2000
18x98*
£350
AISOO •
48
*
#8*
1-2
WofdSync2000
Surface UK
£450
A1500-»
52
»
8888
1.13
A2091-40
Commodore
£200
AISOO
40
8
• •
b\13
Nexus HC
Power Computing
£350
A1500-*
40
8Mb
0*88
8.13
SysQuest
Omega Protect*
£090
SCSI
88
.
sea*
OpticalDriYC
Power Computing
£1199
SCSI
128
-
* a * •
-
TaaoStrsamsi
Omega Protects
£600
SCSI
150
•
■
NOTE: Trumpcard can be used on both ASOO and A1500*
EXTERHAL DRIVES
Model
Supplier
Pries
Machine
Sizs
Capacity
Disable Switch
RoTthnc
■wee
PC8808
Power Computing
£55
Any
3 1/2-
880K
Yss
8
RF332C
saxes systems
£00
Any
SV2-
8SOK
Yss
e •••
0^2.8
RF542C
Silica Systems
£80
Any
5 1/4"
880K
Yes
0888
0.1,2.8
A1011
Commodore
£100
Any
31/2"
880K
Ne
88 *
0^2.8
ZyOec
Evesham Micros
£55
rViy
31/2 -
880K
yes
e «•
8
CAX3S4
Cumana
£75
Any
3 1/r
880K
Yes
88*8
0.1.2.8
3A-1D
Golden Image
£05
Any
31/2"
880K
res
888 •
0.8
AEHO
Applied Engineering
£140
Any
3 1/2-
1 52 Mb
Ne
8
lniemal2000
Power Computing
£50
A1500-*
3 1/2"
880K
No
• • • a
8
OverDrive
Power Computing
£120
Any
Jl/2"
2x880K '
Yss
8 888
0.1.2.8
Fiopttcal Disk
Digital MKrorwcs
£050
Any
31/2-
20 Mb
YSS
8
NOTE: PC880B comes wuh built-in dish copter Floptical Disk not yet available m UK
RAM DPAKSIOMS
Modal
Supplier
Price
Machine
wm
Max Size
Power Supply?
nttts*
LMH
Inn,
500RX
Surface UK
£198
A500
2Mb
8Mb
Optional
EipensjonBus
5
PtoRAM Plus
Date!
£25
ASOO
512 k
-
TnxpOoor
• 8*
RAMMaster 2
Date)
£100
A500
15Mb
-
TrapOoor
888
V2OO0
Vkge
£104
ASOO
2Mb
•
TrasOssr
Zydecl.5
Zydec
£79
A500
1.5 Mb
-
TrapOoor
8888
BaseBoard
EPO
£300
ASOO
4Mb
•
TrapOoer
8888
Ashcom512k
Ashcom
£35
A500
512k
-
TrapOoor
• •••
Ashcoml_8Mb
Aahcom
£155
ASOO
Ukb
»
TrsaOser
e ••«
OodMO
Cortei
£199
A500
2Mb
8Mb
vss
Expansion Bus
6VPBsftse2
Warn
use
AISOO—
2Mb
8Mb
Canl
A2058
Commodore
£100
AISOO .
2Mb
8Mb
Card
...a
A8RAM2O00
Power Comouting
£179
AISOO-
2Mb
8Mb
Cam
• •88
Cortex2O00
Cortex
£175
A1500-*
2Mb
8Mb
Card
* a .a •
8
ntOCFSSOR A( t H (RAIORS
Model
Supplier
Pries
Machine
Processor
Speed
Max 32 bit RAM
Maths Copra
MLtgg
Issea
38 Special
Omega Piojects
coao
Any
68030
38 MHz
8Mb
BWH
s a 88
13
40/4 Magnum
Om*ga Prefects
£NA
AISOO •
00040
28 MHz
16Mb
00082
13
7#>U4
Pow*»r Computing
£1 440
A1500—
68040
28MHZ
64Mb
*hm*;<
14
MO/WO
Power Computing
£725
ASOO
68040
28 MHz
8Mb
88882
14
040/DQOi
Power Computing
DM
A500
68040
28 MHz
16Mb
-
• «••
14
Mercury
Power computing
£1249
A3000
00800
28 MHz
32Mb
68882
14
(itiKCe
8NM
£599
A1500
68030
25 MHz
16Mb
68881
a a a a
15
Turbo68000
BytesftPlsces
£45
ASOO
68000-16
16 MHz
•
Ne
■•
w
AdSpeed
Silica
£173
A500
6800016
16 MHz
-
No
8 88 8
3.5
VXbrM
ZCL Ud
£409
ASOO
00030
25 MHz
8 Mb
Yss
8888
*
2000/40
M arc am
i 1937
A1500-*
68040
50 MHz
32Mb
Yes
A3001
Sttca
£1799
A1500-*
68030
50 MHz
32Mb
YSS
8 888«
3.5
G-Force
Silica
I ]<■• i
A3000
68040
28 MHz
•
•
-
FuslonForty
Power Computing
£1999
A1500 •
68040
50 MHz
32Mb
Yes
• •8 8
-
CSA MegaMidget
BytesAPieces
£389
A500
68030
33 MHz
8Mb
Yes
88 88
3.5
A50OQ-16
Solla* Stat*
£295
ASOO
68020
16 MHz
4Mb
Yes
*
0600088
Solid State
£595
A500
68020
25 MHz
16Mb
Yes
• •88
3.5
■HOMO
MM Stats
£1182
A1500-*
68030
40MHZ
32 Mb
Vss
8
Harms Pro30
BytesAPieces
£1099
AISOO •
68030
28 MHz
4Mb
Yes
88 8
3.5
A2630
Commodore
£1200
AISOO-
68030
25 MHz
4Mb
Yes
8888
8
NOTE: Although some 68030 cards appear to run (aster than their
040 equivalents,
this may not necessanly be the case. All '040 cards will run faster intemewy.
SCANNERS
Model
Supplier
Price
micti'ni
Type
Colour
Resolution
Rating
hksse
DaataScan 2GS
Pandaai
£125
Any
Hand Held
No
400dpi
• • ■
14
Power Scanner 2
Power Competing
£99
Hem-HsM
No
400dpl
14
AtfaScan
Golden image
£199
Any
Hand Held
No
400dpi
14
Handy Scanner
Pandaai
£140
Aay
Hand Held
No -
400dpl
•
14
Sharp iX 100
SMca
£695
Any
Hand Held
Yes
200dpi
152
AMIGA SHOPPER 0) ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
71
PRODUCTS
GemScan
Datei
£130
kmrtanimagft
CoMafilmage
C1K0
Sharp JX 300
5*ca
£3600
pmMmat %mm
rarnlael
£180
PnmmUcannm
Power Computing
£90
DIGIHSERS
Medal
gupeJier
rf|#aj
DigiView 4
Silica
£150
CokwrPk:
n
£39*
VIDtAmiga
Romoo
£130
VVJeon
Power Computing
1200
FrameGrabber
Marcam
£599
VWeoOigttiser
Datal
MO
SOUND SAMPLERS
Modal
Supplier
Prt©#
StereoMaster
Audio Engineer
McroOeai
£40
mb Marketing
E190
Perfect Sound 3
HB Marketing
£40
SampteStudio 2
Datei
£70
Sound Master
HB Marketing:
£130
MicroSamprer
Date)
£25
SouodTrac 3
Omega Profecta
£30
AMAS2
MtcroOaai
£100
GVP DSS S.IK3
AD1012 HI
AD1016 HB Marketing
Audition 4 HB Marketing
Audio Sculpture SMG
NOTE: AD1012 and A01016 are for A15O0-* only
£40
£60
£TBA
£49
£49
GCHLOCKS
MicroGen
MtnUSen
RocGen
Roc Gen*
A8802
AU02S-VHS
A8806
GST Gold
V*deoCentre2
VldeoCentre3
VideoMaster VM ;>
Vldoo c omp O-100
imageMaster
SuppHer
Power Computtng
ASAP
Silica
Silica
Marcam
£199
MIU
CBM Mouse
Naksha
Marcam
Third Coast
G2
G2
Power Computing
Silica
Nenlu
Gordon Herwood
Supplier
Commodore
Naksha UK
GokJen Image
£900
Price
£35
£52
Any
Hand Held
Any
Hand Held
Any
FlatBed
Any
HandHeM
Any
HendHekJ
Realtime
Colour
No
Yas
Yea
Yaa
Yes
Yas
Ne
Yas
Yes
Yas
Yas
Yaa
Stereo
Volume Adjust
Yes
Yes
Yaa
Ne
Yas
PM
Yaa
Yaa
Yes
NO
Yaa
Yea
Yes
No
Ne
No
Yas
Yes
Yaa
Yaa
Yes
Yes
Yas
Yaa
Yes
Yas
Yea
Yas
Yas
Yes
Fade
Disserve
Yes
Yas
No
No
Yas
Yes
Yaa
Yaa
No
No
Yaa
Yaa
Yes
Yes
Yaa
Yea
Yas
Yas
Yas
Yas
Yes
Yes
Yaa
Yea
Yas
Yes
No
No
Ergonomics
Resolution
■ ■•
• »•
• •• •
No
Ne
Va«
400dpi
400dpi
300dpi
400dpi
400<1pi
Realtime Colour
Animation
Rating
No
No
• •••
Yaa
No
ease
No
Yes
•••>
Ne
No
• ••
Yas
Yes
- .
1
u
2
5
Resolution
Ng
ftVOfl
p. M
Hbtt
Ml
■ •••
Rating
• • • -
• •
11
s
5
MM
MM
Boit
124*
l&Dtt
eVWt
14*
J>VHS
Np
* •••
**« *
12
No
Ha
NO
MM
Yaa
RGB Pass thru
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yaa
Yes
Yaa
Yes
Yaa
Yes
Yaa
Yes
Yea
8
10
■
It
• # +
R«tin(
IH4M
Tru*MouM
DMtamouM
Ami mi
EvMham
Pandaai
LOptetCfl
COLOUR CARDS
Power Computing
Model
Rembrandt
A Video 12
AV«Jeo24
HfJM
DCTV
OVP IV-24
Harlequin
NOTE: A500 devices can be used on all Amtgas
TOUCH TUlfTS
ni
£40
£27
Machine
A1500-
A1S00 •
A1500-*
ASOO
A500
AlfOO .
A1500-*
> ■
• ••
• •••
• -■ •
aea
• ••■
2
1
£1499
£2t9
£599
£2tB
£499
ClTtB
£1400
24«
124*
24-oft
Psewdo
Pseudo
2*bit
244)it
24-ort
Mai Resolution
1024x1024
24 b •
24-Wt
24Vtolt
74 hit
24 M
71381580
368x580
368x580
910x576
910x576
Rating
•••l
aee
• •••
• •••
13
U
15
•
12
12
11
PodstM PT 3030
Oenrtttar
Cherry Mk4
uoi-mairii Fiimus
HB Marketing
Datal
Cheny
£179
£130
£450
P20
L24d
SwrRO
Swift 24
IXftSO
LQ400
LQ550
ICJOO
LC24
ML380
NEC
Crttren
Citizen
CKIzen
Epson
£361
£292
£280
£428
£260
Epso-
£375
Star
£304
£386
9x12"
9x6"
9x12"
Pins
24
24
9
24
9/24
24
9
24
24
Rating
• «••
SpeedtCPS)
115
L2J
121
loq
130
3
■
3
3
4
4
5
3
BuflV
8K
BK
4K
8K
8K
• •••
eei
16*
8K
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
SUPPLIER LIST • SUPPLIER LIST • SUPPLIER LIST • SUPPLIER LIST • SUPPLIER UST • SUPPLIER LIST • SUPPLIER LIST • SUPPLIER LIST • SUPPLIER LIST • SUPPLIER LIST • SUPPLIER LIST
ACS
Ann Fntfinwmna;
AfiAP
Ashcom
Bytes A Pieces
Checkmate Digital Ltd
Citizen
Conwnooorc
Cortai
031 557 4242 Cumana
mm 214 241 6060 Oatel Electronics
0724280222 Digital Micron-cs 0101
0530 411485
0253 734218
071 923 0658
0895 72621
0628 770088
051236 0480
EPD
Epson
Evesham Micros
G2 Video Systems
Gasteiner
Golden Image
0483 503121
0782 744707
619 431 8301
0602 841640
0442 61144
0386 765500
0252 737151
081 365 1151
081 518 7373
Gordon Harwood
HB Marketing
jCL Business Systems
Marcam Ltd
MicroDeal
Naksha UK
NEC
Nenki
New Dimension*
0773 836781
0753 686000
0892 518181
0819416117
0726 68020
0925 56.398
081 993 9831
081900 1866
0291 690933
DM
Omega Projects
Pandaal Marketing
Power Computing
Prolar
Rombo
Silica Systems
SMG
Soi-d state Leisure
0753 31292
0925 763946
0234 855666
0234 273000
0923 54133
0506 414631
081 309 1111
0274 562999
0933 650677
V> 0494 471111
Surface UK 081566 6677
Third Coast Technologies 0257472444
Tntogic 0274 678062
Virgo 0276 676308
WTS Electronics . 0582 491949
ZCL Ltd 0543 251275
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
153
COMPETITIO
We have 1 5 copies of Easy AMOS •
Just when you thought it was safe
• over £500 v/orthl - to give away.
to program, it's even safer...
It's Just the opportunity all you
would-be programmers have
been waiting for. Nothing
could be easier than
programming with Easy AMOS.
The program sprang from the
original AMOS, one of the most
popular versions of the Basic
programming language for the Amiga.
What distinguishes AMOS from most
other Basics is the incredible ease
with which it can be used to create
stunning graphical and audio effects.
Easy AMOS makes these sorts of
effects even easier to achieve. The
package was designed specifically
with beginners in mind. It includes a
complete tutorial, along with
numerous examples, to take the
novice right through to producing
slick games with smooth animation
and brilliant colour.
Also included are a number of
aids to programming, such as an on-
line help which explains the meaning
of every single AMOS instruction, and
a single-step mode which enables
the programmer to see every
instruction as it is being executed
and to simultaneously watch the
effects it has on the main display.
In short, if you've ever wanted to
get into programming, then this is
the way to do it. Thanks to Europress
Software, we have fifteen of these
packages to give away. Just ponder
the three questions below and send
your answers on a postcard or the
back of a sealed envelope to:
Easy Peasy Compo
Amiga Shopper
29 Monmouth Street
Bath BA1 2DL
The closing date is August 7.
Remember that only one entry per
household will be permitted. QJ
THE CHALLENGE
QUESTION 1
What was the predecessor of AMOS,
written for the ST, called?
a) AMST
b) STOS
c) There wasn't one
QUESTION 2
What word would a French person
use to describe something as 'easy'?
a) Tre» blen
b) Slmpllstlque
c) Facile
QUESTION 3
What Is the name of the creator of
the AMOS package?
a) Francolse Uonet
b) Francois Uonet
c) Francois Pascal
GUARANTEE YOUR COPY OF
AMIGA SHOPPER - RESERVE IT AT
YOUR NEWSAGENT
! Please reserve/deliver me a copy of Amiga Shopper
Name
Address
TO THE NEWSAGENT - Amifa Shopper foet on sale the fint Thursday in ea<h
month. If* by Fvtere N MpMm md eveUeWe frees y.
Easy AMOS makes programming In AMOS, er, easy. Even absolute beginners
will be messing about with sprites and scrolling screens in no time at all
PRINTER PALAVER!
The Amiga Shopper editorial team
are proud to announce the winner
of the June competition: P Hughes
of Liverpool, who will be receiving
a Citizen Swift 24e printer with
colour kit kindly donated by
Citizen Europe.
CALLING ALL GFA
BASIC WINNERS
(or. It's the Amiga Shopper, You're
fired - Ed. admin cock-up comer)
If you were one of our QFA Basic
winners, could you please get In
touch with your full names and
addresses as soon as possible.
IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE
• Amiga Shopper's definitive desktop publishing round-up.
We review all of the main contenders for the position of best
DTP package.
• Continuing in the DTP vein, Jeff Walker starts a new
series on just what it's all about and tells you how to get
the best results, while Cliff Ramshaw takes a look at
Epson's new 24-bit colour scanner and a laser printer from
Star for the Amiga power user.
• Jason Holborn gamely tries out Visionary, the adventure
authoring system from Oxxi.
Plus regular columns on Amiga Answers, video,
AmigaDOS, education and much more
On sale Thursday, August 6
154
AMIGA SHOPPER • ISSUE 16 • AUGUST 1992
Some reasons
to be cheerful
I liSoft is renowned for its range of language systems, utilities and
entertainment programs on the Amiga. We have been writing for
the Commodore 680x0 computers since they were first introduced
into the UK and thus we know both the hardware and software
intimately. Our company policy is always to offer the highest
quality software at an affordable price with a complete range of
backup support options - in these uncertain, difficult times, we'd
like to put a smile on your face.
The ultimate assembler
language system"
Amiga Format
Gold 4/92
The professional C development package
includes free Silver Support service
The most accurate flight sim yet
HiSoft BASIC
version 2
HighSf*^
>cal
_ ®<§>®
©@®
.Hi®®®®
ks>nii£
Turbo powei fot your
60000 computer
S vo?
-V>
x cs s
The new Pascal compiler with
Turbo Pascal® compatibility
Coming soon to an Amiga near you!
HiSoft
High Quality Software
for more information on any of
our products, please call HiSoft
on 0525 718 181. or tax us on
0525 713716 or write to us at
The Ota School. Greenfield.
Bedford MK45 5DE UK
We are delighted to announce that, following an exclusive agreement
with Kuma Computers Ltd, we have token over the distribution
support ami development of their popular Arnica products. Existing
Kui'ui customers slwuld write to us or call us for details of out >upfwt
schmnesmui information on aw pfans for the future of Kuma - \re.
At the moment we have the popular K'Spnad I spreadsheet ami
K I \tt,i database available (see out ordet form on the right),
Wi' also have stock or all the \rd Edition Amiga Ki >m Kernel manuals
twm Addisim Wesley, together with the excellent 3rd Edition of The
AmigaDi >S Manual (Bantam Pn
Free
gifts!
(suOf&ct 10
MvaMMbUily)
aflig
_ _ "A
hS "S 7 -
? 5 "- - r
1m
H
3 » z
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Bin
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I
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* ^ u5
LLLLUL
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I
VI
31 & a
V?
II I |
25S Si
888 88
I- L L L U
rj
? "
air
?;
GVR Series 2 HD
IAQOO)
Magneto Optical
Hard Disk
tp to 8MB Fast RAM
52QMB0MB £369
■ 52QMB 2MB £419
S2QMH iMH £469
V 52QMB8MH £599
iQMB o.Uff W>9
105QMB2MB £529
10SQMB iMB £579
I05QMB8MB £719
^ GVP A530 Turbo HD
.o *n toMll/ 68030EC atu-lcrator
Optional dss82 maths o> processor
/ Vpu> 8MB 32-bit Fast RAM on board
68882 Upgrade kit £239
52MB 0MB £729 IO9MR0MBH69 240MB OMH il069
nC ^ GVP Series 2 HD
, I p to 8MB Simm RAM on board
qO Supports external SCSI devices
^M ; <>rA150O/A200O
-)/** Bare £199
2QMB0MB £279
52QMB2MB £339
QMB-tMB £399
"52QMB8MB £469
£ GVP
68030 Accelerator board
68882 Maths co-processor
•r .- 25MHz 1MB RAM £579
|\^V.|0MII/ iMBRAM £949
•O SUMHz (MB HAM £1349
(£M Hard drive mount kit £35
->r^ Ba
^jsl* 52(
* ^jS2<
KWQMHaMB £479
10SQMB 2MB £539
105QMB 4MB £599
L05QMB8MB £749
G-Force
^"^ New style case with built-in power supply
~* Higli power cooling fan
v O[ SCSI ID switch for instant ID switch
t-^o 2S-way & SO-way SCSI pons Coot ma) uwdwOwu'pofl)
Compatible with all major SCSI controllers
I p to 128MB on each removable cartridge
Compatible in speed with many hard disks
128MB HD (internal fitting) £999
128MB HD (external cased) £1199
128MB W optical cartridge £39-95 each
SCSI controller card for A1500 A2000 £199
. ^ Compatible wtth Ami^i. PC. Mac A SCSI umirollei * required ««n the
•^^» Amix-i and PC
^:
Avideo 24
l^j 24-bit graphics for the A500
* X« "68 x 580 quality resolution
c 16.8 million colour frame buffer
; Small easy to fit circuit Ix>ard
Overlay Amiga graphics & animations
v* Fully genlockable
^^ Kims tin a standard A500 1 1MB of chip RAM)
C Comes with i^-bit paint package
Allows picture in picture £599 ■ includes tv Kami*
9
Chips
Jn»K ^ II MM SAM MB \ HSimm 4150 8572 Faner Agnus £39
IMH x 1DKAM L5.9S 1MB x BStaOl i30 1x4 Zip £19.95
A3000totic column RAM
Simm 52 x IMB-60
Simm 32 x 4MB-60
2,04KicJvStart(cWponi y ) £39.95
2.0-1 Kickstart ROM chip, workbench software.
install disk 2.04, font disk cS: extras £99.95
^
C,A I With ROM share
Nexus Hard
\y Up to 8MB RAM on board
y For A 1500, 2000
a I Bare £199
iU ^ S2QMB0MB £279
£65 -rtklorGVVA™. v ., QNm ^ ^
£234 ta**r**GVW». \ 52QMB4Mfi &399
^\ S2QMB 8MB £469
Card
105QMB0MB £479
105QMB2MB £539
10SQMB 4MB £599
105QMB BMB £749
Progressive Peripherals
Progressive 040/3000
28MHz Motorola 68040
Directly accesses 32-bit memory on A3000 Over
Four times the speed of a standard A3000
AmigaDOS 2 compatible
1MB 1999
Progressive 040/2000
28MHz Motorola 68040
Built-in maths co-processor
Expandable up to 32MB of RAM
Software compatible with 68000 processors
4MB £1295
Progressive 040/500
j For the Amiga 500
28MHz 68040 with processor
I p to 40 times the speed of the standard A500
4MB of high speed 32-bh RAM
1 68000 fallback mode
Easy to fit, no soldering
Upgrade tO 33MHZ and 8MB of high speed RAM
28MHz -1MB £849
Zeus 040/2000
For the Amiga 20(H)
Complete workstation on a single card
28MHz or 33MHz 68040 accelerator
J Built-in floating point processor
1MB high speed 32-bit RAM expansion
Fast SCSI-2 DMA hard drive controller
28MHz -1MB £1899 33MH2 (MB £2189
Rem bra n dt
24-bit colour
m 16 million colours
fcr^| 8MB of high speed video RAM
■4S Real time 24-bil image capture
/(. Software supplied
iS ' ' '
A 1500 A2000
£2699
Framegrabber
Amiga genlock
\e\\ software
v2.Q
£399
p
o
Bare SCSI Hard
Drive
52 Quantum £199 105 Quantum £299
iMirubWor GVPi GVPHCorNcuaft
\»W Pb\«<
(
Send your order to Power Computing Ltd, I nit 8 Kailton Road. Woburn Road Industrial Estate. Kempston. Bedford MK42 7PN
Ring your credit card order through on 0234 843388 (10 lines) or Fax 0234 840234 Technical helpline 0234 841882
All prices Include V vi , deliver) and are nubjed hi change. Sperificiiions we suhjcti to change without notice Vv da) deliver) M^ 'I K mainland only » .ill trademark* acknowledged
Dbtrihutor lor Pimrr 1 output Ing in lull DKKMU ■ lUKnou,
f\mrr Computing [rancr IfBUVulum * : ,r*t
■ - ' ■
( "tiiputiiiKl s *
\C\
x
Vrt> r*^- -
Live Music
Archive
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